HAWTHORN ensured former skipper Luke Hodge saluted in style in his final game in Tasmania, easily accounting for North Melbourne in Launceston.

Hodge, who has played more games in Tasmania than any other player, was instrumental in the 18.8 (116) to 14.5 (89) win, marshalling the defence and setting up numerous forward thrusts.

Jack Gunston was also important for the Hawks providing just as much rebound from defence as Hodge, while also pushing forward at times to kick a goal.

The Hawks built a steady lead in the first half, leading by 33 points at the main break. North fought back in the third quarter to narrow the gap to just 19 points, but Hawthorn always seemed to have a extra gear and finished off the final quarter comfortably.

Luke Breust (four goals) and Jarryd Roughead (three) led the goalkicking for the Hawks, while Ben Brown kept his Coleman Medal chances alive with a three-goal haul.

Shaun Higgins was strong for the Kangaroos finishing with a season-high 31 possessions and five clearances, but he had too little help in the centre of the ground, especially once skipper Jack Ziebell was a late withdrawal from the side.

HAWTHORN               5.3       10.5     15.5     18.8 (116)
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.1       5.2       12.4     14.5 (89)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Breust 4, Roughead 3, Henderson 2, Smith 2, Burgoyne 2, Gunston, Hartung, McEvoy, Howe, Miles
North Melbourne: Brown 3, Zurhaar 2, Preuss 2, Garner 2, Turner, Atley, Higgins, Mountford, McDonald