Hawks make light work of Eagles
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Lance Franklin kicked four goals but fell short of his 100th of the season as the Hawks thrashed West Coast (Getty Images: Quinn Rooney)
Lance Franklin has to wait another week for his 100th goal but the Hawks had few troubles disposing of West Coast 19.19 (133) to 9.8 (62) in Sunday evening's round 21 AFL encounter at Subiaco Oval.
Franklin entered the game on 94 goals for the season but wayward kicking cost him the chance to notch the ton, the star full forward booted 4.5 to lead the Hawks' scoring in the impressive win.
The win moves Hawthorn into second spot on the competition ladder, leaving them in the box seat to host the third-placed Bulldogs in the first week of the finals for the chance at a week off.
Only a slip-up to Carlton at Docklands and a Bulldogs win over Adelaide at Football Park would reverse the standings.
The Hawks led by more than three goals at half-time and a dominant third quarter handed them an unassailable 58-point buffer at the final change.
Hawthorn kicked nine goals to the Eagles' three in the third term to seize control of the match, led by Mark Williams (three goals) and Franklin.
Campbell Brown joined Franklin with four majors for the Hawks. Captain Sam Mitchell topped the possession tally with 34, while four other players racked up more than 30 touches.
Matt Priddis had 31 touches for West Coast, who were led on the scoreboard by Ben McKinley's three goals and two to Ryan Davis.
Hawthorn 19.19 (133) - C Brown 4, L Franklin 4, M Williams 3, J Roughead 2, C Young 2, C Bateman, G Birchall, B Sewell, C Stokes
West Coast 9.8 (62) - B McKinley 3, R Davis 2, S Armstrong, A Embley, Q Lynch, M Seaby
