HAWTHORN has held on to finish its NAB Cup campaign with a three-point win over Fremantle at Patersons Stadium, with star players Lance Franklin and Sam Mitchell in ominous form ahead of round one.

After building a 24-point lead at half-time, the Hawks faded dramatically in the second half but recovered late to win 13.8 (86) to 12.11 (83).

Franklin dominated the first half, kicking three goals and winning 16 possessions before being held goalless after half-time to finish with 25 disposals.

Mitchell, meanwhile, was the midfield architect for Hawthorn, finishing best on ground with 36 disposals, five clearances and a goal.

Jordan Lewis (28 disposals), Brad Sewell (25) and Cyril Rioli (21 and a goal) were also influential for the visitors, who face Collingwood at the MCG in round one. 

Hawthorn key forward Jarryd Roughead made his return from a ruptured achilles tendon, and was untroubled, entering the match after half-time and winning 12 possessions in a backline role. 

The 25-year-old attacked a number of aerial contests at full tilt and made some penetrating runs off half-back, appearing unfazed by the serious injury he suffered in round 12 last season. 

"He did some really good things and we were really pleased with, ultimately, just getting a run and getting through the game unscathed," coach Alastair Clarkson said.

"We're really pleased to be able to bring him over here, out of the Melbourne spotlight, and just get a game under his belt."

With Hawthorn ruckman Max Bailey sidelined with a wrist injury, there was also interest in replacement big man Broc McCauley, who was subdued in the ruck opposed to Fremantle's Zac Clarke.

David Hale, however, split his time forward and in the ruck and was solid for the visitors, kicking three first-half goals and finishing with 20 hit-outs. 

"That's been really important for us, the contribution he's been making [forward], but he's also been really important for us in the middle of the ground," Clarkson said.

"Broc was particularly good early and then got either a kick or a knock to the ankle, and that just knocked him a little bit around.

"We're pretty hopeful that those two will be able to do the job for us in Max's absence."

The Hawks dominated the midfield battles early, with Mitchell winning 21 possessions in the first half and combining with Lewis and Sewell to give the visitors a 25-17 clearance advantage.

Franklin, who was also pushing into the midfield, was the major benefactor, kicking his three goals opposed to McPharlin, including a brilliant 55m bomb off one step.

Lyon said there were a number of positive for Fremantle out of the match, describing the club's pre-season overall as "strong". 

"We learned we can run and compete and we built some mental toughness," he said.

"There's certainly a belief based on our actions for six months now that we're going to be able to come out and compete and give really good effort." 

FREMANTLE    3.4   4.4   7.8   12.11 (83)    
HAWTHORN    5.1   8.4   9.6   13.8 (86)
 
GOALS
Fremantle: Hill (2), Mzungu (2), Ballantyne (2), Anthony (2) Fyfe, Pearce, Pavlich, de Boer  
Hawthorn: Franklin )3), Hale (3), Mitchell, Lewis, Rioli, Sucklling, Gunston, Puopolo, McCauley
 
BEST
Fremantle: Broughton, Hill, Crowley, Mzungu, Clarke, Fyfe
Hawthorn: Mitchell, Lewis, Franklin, Hale, Sewell, Rioli
 
INJURIES
Fremantle: Johnson (ankle), McPharlin (head)
Hawthorn: Smith (head)
 
Reports: Nil
 
Umpires: Margetts, Farmer, McPhee, O'Neill
 
Crowd: approx. 5,316 at Patersons Stadium