HAWTHORN has comfortably accounted for a youthful Richmond side by 63 points in wet conditions at the MCG on Saturday night.

The Hawks were much quicker to make the transition to wet weather footy and restricted Richmond to just two goals in the first half before going on to post the emphatic 17.13 (115) to 6.16 (52) win.

With key defenders Luke McGuane and Alex Rance both suspended, Damien Hardwick turned to second gamer Dylan Grimes to do the big job on Lance Franklin and the youngster was taught a harsh lesson by the Hawthorn champ.

Franklin's renowned ability below his knees came to the fore on a night when the slippery ball hit the deck more often than not thanks to the heavy rain that persisted throughout.

His body work and positioning made him a constant threat inside forward 50 with the classy full-forward finishing with five goals in a best on ground performance.

Luke Hodge matched Franklin's assuredness over the ball in a stellar performance that belied his preparation that has been interrupted by a nagging achilles injury.

Tiger danger man Jack Riewoldt cut a frustrated figure on the night when he was rendered a non-factor by Josh Gibson who also showed plenty of poise in the wet.

The Hawks set the agenda for the evening early and led by 34 points at the first change on the back of their superior work rate and strength over the ball.

Richmond mustered a challenge early in the third quarter, with Trent Cotchin and Nathan Foley leading the charge, but still lost the term by two points to trail by 55 points at the last break.

The win didn't come without cost with young Hawthorn defender Ben Stratton taken to hospital after dislocating his right kneecap in a sickening collision.

Influential players
In addition to Franklin, Hodge and Gibson, Jordan Lewis was also a key figure for the Hawks. The onballer was promoted to the vice-captaincy just prior to the season and he led from the front with a game-high 32 possessions.

What it means
It means the Hawks are getting closer to where they want to be after a rusty start. Picked by many to challenge Collingwood this year, Hawthorn disappointed in Adelaide and early against Melbourne, but impressed for most of this game.

The next four
West Coast (Aurora Stadium), Geelong (MCG), Bye, Port Adelaide (AAMI Stadium)

Dream Team highlight
Hawthorn: Jordan Lewis led all comers with 129 points on the night with youngster Liam Shiels turning in a respectable 102. Franklin's effort returned an even 100 points.

What the coach said
Alastair Clarkson:
"Richmond had a poor start to the game and we jumped out to a really good start which was pleasing given that wasn't the case the week before when we just couldn't put scoreboard pressure on the opposition. We were able to do that this week. Richmond after quarter-time made it a much stronger contest and it was pretty even after quarter-time."

Aesthetics
The rain meant slick ball movement by hand or foot was out, but what the contest lacked in dazzling skills it made up for in determination and willingness to put bodies on the line. Those qualities shone through in Hawthorn's play for the most part, but despite their costly early lapse, the Tigers rarely shirked a contest.  

Magic moment
They say that class rises to the surface in all weather conditions and star Hawks Franklin and Hodge offered compelling proof of the saying. The pair had a night out and they combined brilliantly early in the final quarter. In something of a role reversal, Franklin scooped up a loose ball early in the centre of the ground early and streaked toward goal. The champion full-forward turned provider as he spotted up Hodge brilliantly with the skipper finishing the job. 

Richmond 1.3 2.7 4.11 6.16 (52)
Hawthorn 7.1 11.6 13.12 17.13 (115)

Goals:
Hawthorn: Franklin 5, Roughead 3, Hodge, Savage 2, Burgoyne, Ellis, Guerra, Hale, Osborne
Richmond: King 2, Grigg, Helbig, Riewoldt, Vickery

Best
Hawthorn: Franklin, Hodge, Gibson, Lewis, Sewell, Savage, Burgoyne
Richmond: Foley, Houli, Cotchin, King, Martin, Jackson

Injuries
Hawthorn: Mitchell (unavailable) replaced in selected side by Guerra. Stratton (dislocated knee)

Substitutes:
Richmond: Conca replaced by Edwards in the third quarter
Hawthorn: Osborne (calf) replaced by Bruce in the third quarter.

Reports: nil

Umpires: Vozzo, Findlay, Mollison

Crowd: 46,369 at the MCG

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the club.