HAWTHORN suffered an upset 38-point loss to the Sydney Swans at ANZ stadium on Saturday night.

The Swans laid the platform for the win with an eight-goal third quarter that handed them a 21-point lead going into the final term.

An out-of-sorts Hawthorn was unable to peg back the Swans in the last quarter as the home side capitalised on an AFL record 73 hit-outs to record a 22.11 (143) to 15.15 (105) victory.

The reigning premier was dealt a blow pre-match when ruckman Robert Campbell withdrew, and with Simon Taylor suspended mid week for rough conduct, young Brent Renouf was left to do battle with Darren Jolly (three goals) and Jesse White.

Key forwards Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin helped out at times, but the ensuing restructure, the late withdrawal of Brad Sewell and niggles to Luke Hodge and Stuart Dew all contributed to the Swans’ first win of the season.

The Hawks did get off to a flyer however, slamming home the first three majors of the game, and held slender leads at the first two changes.

For Hawthorn Xavier Ellis, Grant Birchall, Cyril Rioli, Cameron Stokes, Jarryd Roughead and 100-gamer Mark Williams (three goals) all stood out but not enough in the brown and gold were consistently effective across four quarters.

Key forward Lance Franklin was, predictably, in the thick of it but was well held by the Swans’ defence. Defender Craig Bolton had an outstanding game on the Coleman Medallist but ‘Buddy’ still bagged two goals.

After coming within eight points of the Cats last week most had Hawthorn installed as pre-match favourite and they looked a good thing early.

Williams booted the first two majors of the contest inside three minutes and the Hawks held a 12-point lead at the first break.

One highlight of a tight second quarter was a brilliant Franklin goal. The Hawks’ spearhead roved his own ball after a flying mark wasn’t paid and an athletic snap had the travelling fans on their feet.

The tide began to turn late in the second quarter with a Nick Malceski set shot from 40m and a Jolly mark and conversion got the home side within reach.

Jarryd Morton’s first AFL goal was then cancelled out by an equal feat by Jesse White and the sides were separated by just two points at the main break.

The home side then stormed away with honours in the third term, booting eight goals to four, a desperate Campbell Brown smother in defence one of the few highlights.

Another came when some trademark run-and-carry from Rioli set up a first AFL goal for second-gamer Garry Moss.

Franklin kicked an early goal for the Hawks in the final term, but the momentum was with the home side, and they booted six goals to three in the quarter to seal the win.

The reigning premier must now regroup ahead of its Easter Sunday clash with North Melbourne at Docklands.