In the moments following Thursday night's victory over Richmond, Alastair Clarkson said he expected a response from the side and that is exactly what it delivered.

But Clarkson would have been further pleased by where that response was most notable.

The Hawks midfield brigade made amends in glorious fashion against the Tigers, having been soundly beaten the week prior.

Being a late replacement against the Tigers did not remotely faze Jack Scrimshaw

It lost the clearance count to Geelong 23 to 41 but then just six days later, against the reigning premier, wrenched that same count in a much more positive direction - 22 to 17, including an advantage of 15 to 6 in around the ground stoppages.

03:54

Mitchell speaks to Jobe and Hame on the big win

Tom Mitchell joins Jobe and Hame to discuss Hawthorn's emphatic victory, as well as his own form coming back from a broken leg.

There was a palpable hunger about the side which, despite winning more disposals than its opposition, also bested Damien Hardwick's side in tackles - 34 to 27.

That's a rare combination to boast.

The challenge now for the Hawks will be to back up such a stellar performance against a new-look North Melbourne outfit.