HAWTHORN has romped to the biggest win of the season at the MCG on Sunday, thumping Greater Western Sydney by 162 points in front of 26,518 fans.

Jarryd Roughead booted six goals and Lance Franklin four, including the 500th of his career before being substituted in the third term, in the Hawks' 28.25 (193) to 4.7 (31) win.

The final margin eclipsed North Melbourne's 129-point demolition of the Giants in round two.

Kevin Sheedy's young team tried hard in close, even leading in both contested possessions and clearances at half-time.

But Hawthorn was more accomplished in all other areas, using the ball with far greater efficiency and carving holes in the GWS defence with its run and spread.

Ten goals clear at the main break, Alastair Clarkson's men lifted another notch in the third quarter and slammed on nine goals to one, extending the margin to 117 points.

They booted a further eight in the last quarter and finished with 14 different goalkickers.

Cyril Rioli was one of many standouts for the victors, collecting 26 disposals, booting three goals and laying nine tackles as he switched between midfield and forward.

Midfielders Liam Shiels and Jordan Lewis were also prominent, and the precision-kicking half-back line of Matt Suckling, Grant Birchall and Josh Gibson was superb all day.

Franklin entered the match under an injury cloud, having left the field during last week's win over Carlton with hamstring tightness, but there were no signs of trouble as he booted the two goals needed to reach 500 during the first quarter.

His appearance in the red vest appeared to be precautionary only.

GWS youngster Toby Greene was his team's best player.

The talented onballer gathered 34 disposals in a head-to-head battle with Hawks star Sam Mitchell, who finished with 33 touches.

Veteran Chad Cornes kicked two of the Giants' four goals in his 250th game, including a memorable effort from 80m out that bounced like an off-break and rolled through.

The win moved Hawthorn to fifth on the AFL ladder, ahead of six-placed Essendon on percentage and only a game behind top four teams the Sydney Swans, West Coast, Adelaide and Collingwood.

Importantly given the closeness of the top four race, the big win means they now have the best percentage in the competition.

In a further souring note for the Giants, NAB AFL Rising Star fancy Jeremy Cameron was reported for a high bump on Clinton Young during the third quarter.

Brad Sewell was a surprise late withdrawal before the game with general soreness. He was replaced by Kyle Cheney.

HAWTHORN            5.6     11.11    20.20    28.25   (193)                  
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY     1.2    2.4     3.5    4.7   (31)          
 
GOALS
Hawthorn: Roughead 6, Franklin 4, Breust 3, Rioli 3, Young 2, Hale 2, Savage, Lewis, Gunston, Shiels, Murphy, Suckling, Mitchell, Puopolo
Greater Western Sydney: Cornes 2, Wilson, Adams
 
BEST
Hawthorn: Rioli, Suckling, Birchall, Lewis, Shiels, Roughead, Mitchell
Greater Western Sydney: Greene, Coniglio, Cornes, Adams
 
INJURIES
Hawthorn: TBC
Greater Western Sydney: TBC
 
SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Lance Franklin replaced in the third quarter by Ben Stratton
Greater Western Sydney: James McDonald replaced in the third quarter by Nick Haynes
 
Reports: Jeremy Cameron (GWS) reported for making high contact with Clinton Young in the third quarter
 
Umpires: Ritchie, Ryan, Pannell
 
Official crowd: 26,518 at the MCG