HAWTHORN's 38-point AFL win over the Brisbane Lions has come at a cost, with Cyril Rioli and Ben Stratton unable to see out the scrappy contest in Launceston.
The pair left Saturday afternoon's game in the third quarter with knee injuries, but their absence didn't hinder the Hawks as they powered home to a 17.11 (113) to 11.9 (75) win.
Rioli limped to the bench after crashing into Josh Walker with his left knee in a desperate spoiling attempt and didn't reappear after three-quarter time.
The Lions didn't escape unscathed either, former skipper Tom Rockliff dislocating his left shoulder in the final term.
Alastair Clarkson's men have struggled to close out games this season, but they led by 29 points at three-quarter time and made sure of the premiership points with a burst of five unanswered goals in the last quarter.
The Lions hadn't beaten Hawthorn since Round 12, 2009, with that losing streak extended to eight matches by Saturday's result.
Tom Mitchell was prolific again with 36 possessions for the Hawks, while former Adelaide utility Ricky Henderson enjoyed his best game for his new club with 21 touches and three goals.
Experienced hands Dayne Zorko and Rockliff led the way for Brisbane with 31 and 30 disposals respectively.
MEDICAL ROOM
Hawthorn: Leg injuries to Ben Stratton and Cyril Rioli marred the day for the Hawks. Both didn't appear in the final quarter.
Brisbane Lions: Acting captain Tom Rockliff hurt his shoulder in the final few minutes and had to have it put back into place by the team doctor.
NEXT UP
The Hawks are back at the MCG on Saturday night, facing Collingwood, who they haven’t lost to since the 2011 Preliminary Final. The Lions host Adelaide at the Gabba, also on Saturday night.
HAWTHORN 4.3 7.7 11.11 17.11 (113)
BRISBANE LIONS 2.2 5.4 7.6 11.9 (75)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Henderson 3, Roughead 2, Smith 2, O’Brien 2, Gunston, Rioli, Hartung, McEvoy, Howe, Shiels, Breust, Burgoyne
Brisbane Lions: Hipwood 2, Walker 2, Barrett 2, Berry, Bell, Bewick, Rockliff, Lester
BEST
Hawthorn: Mitchell, Burton, Howe, Hartung, Smith, Hodge, Henderson
Brisbane Lions: Rockliff, Martin, Rich, Hipwood, Lester, Zorko
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Stratton (knee), Rioli (leg)
Brisbane Lions: Rockliff (shoulder)
Reports: Isaac Smith (Hawthorn)
Umpires: O’Gorman, Jeffery, Mitchell
Official crowd: 10,553 at University of Tasmania Stadium
