IT WASN'T just the weather that rained on Simon Black's parade on Saturday night. In a spectacular performance, Geelong forward Tom Hawkins spearheaded a 38-point win for the premiers against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

In Black's 300th match it was the blossoming Hawkins who stole the show, kicking six goals in atrocious conditions in the 12.7 (79) to 4.17 (41) win.

He had four goals by half-time on a Gabba surface that was more suitable for ducks than tall forwards after 24 hours of constant rain.

The Lions were held goalless in the first half and had to wait until 20 minutes into the third quarter for their first when Ash McGrath soccered one through from 25m.

The biggest roar from the 15,528 spectators came when Black split the sticks late in the fourth quarter as the Lions saved face with the final three goals.

But it was 23-year-old Hawkins - the hero of Geelong's 2011 Grand Final win - that was the difference, outpointing Matt Maguire in an inspired display.

He kicked three goals from three kicks in the first quarter to set the tone and added one in each of the remaining terms.

Hawkins took a contested mark and converted from close range to open the scoring after 14 minutes, before a superb set shot just minutes later from 45m on the water-logged ground.

He capped his night early in the last quarter with a brilliant checkside on the right foot and pumped his fists in delight.

It was a difficult night for Black, one the triple premiership player and Brownlow medallist did not deserve.

Taylor Hunt followed him all night and did a superb job, but Black battled on and finished with 22 disposals, including 12 in the last quarter.

The scoreline suggests otherwise, but the Lions were competitive in the clinches but lacked the class of Geelong.

The Lions won the tackle count 108-92, the inside 50s 54-46 and had more scoring shots (21-19), but lacked Geelong's composure.

Sublime finishes in front of goal from Steven Motlop, Selwood and Paul Chapman highlighted the gulf in class between the teams.

GEELONG                  4.1    7.5    10.6    12.7 (79)
BRISBANE LIONS    0.5    0.7    1.9       4.17 (41)
 
GOALS
Geelong: Hawkins 6, Chapman 2, Corey, Duncan, Motlop, Selwood
Brisbane Lions: McGrath, Rockliff, Black, Brown
 
BEST
Geelong: Hawkins, Chapman, Christensen, T.Hunt, Selwood, Taylor
Brisbane Lions: Rockliff, Rich, Hudson, Black, Redden
 
INJURIES
Geelong: nil
Brisbane Lions: Polkinghorne (ankle) replaced in selected side by Sheldon,
 
SUBSTITUTES
Geelong: Billie Smedts replaced Matthew Stokes in the third quarter
Brisbane Lions: Pat Karnezis replaced Josh Drummond in the third quarter
 
Reports: Nil
 
Umpires: Kamolins, Ryan, McInerney
 
Official crowd: 15,528 at the Gabba

Michael Whiting covers AFL news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs