VETERAN Jack Gunston has kicked a career-best seven goals as Hawthorn thrashed North Melbourne by 85 points to jump into the top four. 

The 23.12 (150) to 9.11 (65) victory at University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston on Saturday was the Hawks' third in a row and ninth in succession at the ground.

HAWKS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Hawthorn increased its lead at each change against a North Melbourne outfit coming off an upset win over Carlton.

The 33-year-old Gunston was in the thick of the action, with a one-handed pick-up in traffic in the goalsquare in the third quarter a highlight.

He surpassed his previous best of six goals midway through the final term when he slotted a set shot from outside 50.

Gunston was well supported by Mabior Chol, who equalled his career-best haul with five. 

The former Gold Coast forward had a stellar moment in the third quarter, chasing down Zac Fisher to earn a free kick before slotting a major from outside 50.

Hawthorn's Lloyd Meek outpointed Tristan Xerri with 37 hitouts to 31, with his side winning the clearances 44-30 and inside 50s 63-40.

North Melbourne young gun George Wardlaw was subbed out of the game in the second quarter after suffering another concussion when he collided with the shoulder of Conor Nash. 

The 21-year-old missed several games last season due to concussions suffered at training and during games. 

After improved defensive showings in recent weeks, it was the Kangaroos' biggest loss this season and the second-most points they have conceded. 

Hawthorn has now won its past seven games against North Melbourne, including a 124-point rout in round 23 last season. 

Keen to make amends for sluggish openings in its previous two games in Tasmania this season, Hawthorn came flying out of the blocks. 

It dominated inside 50s 19-9 and clearances 17-8 in the first quarter, kicking five straight goals, but went somewhat off the boil with five straight behinds after that. 

Ahead by 20 points at the first change, Hawthorn piled on more pain by kicking eight goals to three in the second term.

Nick Larkey booted five goals for North Melbourne, while teammate Colby McKercher had a game-high 34 disposals.

'Wizard' sparks Hawks early
The Hawks took the game away from North early on and Nick Watson helped set it up. The small forward kicked the best goal of the game in the first quarter. Attending a rare centre bounce, Watson burst out of the middle, took a bounce, handballed to Jai Newcombe, who returned it to him, and he converted brilliantly despite a fumble.

Jack's well and truly back
Perhaps unexpectedly, 2025 is turning into a season to remember for Jack Gunston. The Hawks veteran, a three-time premiership hero with the club, is turning back the clock at 33 years of age. Gunston kicked seven goals against the Roos on Saturday, improving his season tally to 35 – incredibly his best haul since 2018, which was the most recent of his four campaigns in which he kicked 50-plus goals.

HAWTHORN                        5.5     13.8     17.11     23.12 (150)  
NORTH MELBOURNE          2.3      5.5        6.7        9.11 (65)  

GOALS
Hawthorn: Gunston 7, Chol 5, Watson 3, Ramsden 3, Macdonald 2, Ginnivan 2, Moore

BEST
Hawthorn: Gunston, Newcombe, Chol, Amon, Nash, Macdonald, Meek