HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has praised his side's ability to regroup and fight back following a late charge from a spirited North Melbourne.

12 minutes into the final term, the Hawks had stretched their one-point three-quarter time lead to 21 points, and appeared to be in control of the match.

But a solo effort from North Melbourne midfielder Matt Campbell threw the Hawks into disarray.

A magnificent running goal from Campbell pegged back the lead to 15 points, and it wasn't long before he had another chance.

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin shoved Campbell twice in the chest near the centre square, giving away a free kick and then a 50m penalty.

Campbell's goal reduced the deficit to 10 points and two minutes later he kicked his fourth.

With four minutes remaining in the final term, the 24-year-old kicked a career-high fifth goal, putting the Kangaroos in front by two points.

However the experience of Shaun Burgoyne, who moved into the midfield in the final term, prevailed and he regained the lead for the Hawks with three minutes remaining.

When a 60m bomb from Franklin bounced through an open goalsquare, the victory was sealed.

"We always knew it was going to be a [tough game]," Clarkson said.

"They were fighting for their season in a sense … but we knew what that meant for us. They were going to play with plenty of spirit from go to whoa and that's what happened.

"We got three or four goals up and it seemed like it was going to be really tough for them to get back into the game but they did. They're a spirited side, always have been and they showed that again today.

"They got three or four quick goals and got themselves back in front so it was a real credit to the boys that we were able to regroup at that point in time."

Burgoyne's goal at the 27-minute mark of the final term was a well-deserved reward for the former Port Adelaide midfielder, who did a brilliant job in defence, limiting the influence of dangerous North Melbourne forward Aaron Edwards.

Burgoyne held Edwards to four disposals, and was able to rebound off half-back and gather 17 disposals of his own.

"[Edwards] has been in stellar form for them and I reckon he's been a very, very important player for the Kangaroos," Clarkson said.

"We were really pleased with Shaun's whole game. He moved into the middle of the ground in the last quarter and made a really solid contribution there. In the midfield you've got to find the footy and he did that really well for us in the last quarter.

"We were really pleased with his first three [quarters] as well on a pretty dangerous opposition forward."

While North faces a tough challenge to make the final eight following Sunday's 17-point loss, the Hawks should be able to hold on to their top four spot with games to come against Port Adelaide, Carlton, Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast.