MILESTONE games don't always have happy endings, but Shane Crawford got just the fairy tale finish he was after when the Hawks smashed the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.

Playing in his 300th AFL match Crawford was instrumental with 28 possessions and put a cherry on top when he kicked the last goal of the 69-point win in Launceston.  

"I got a message from Clarko to push forward and see if I could hang around there and kick a goal because obviously that would be a perfect way to finish," Crawford said.

"I did feel the pressure going back [for the kick], more so from the crowd than anything. I didn't kick it that well, but I reckon the crowd pushed it through, so it was a perfect way to end what has been a fantastic week and a great day for our club."

The 33-year-old was mobbed by every Hawthorn player on the ground after his shot wobbled through and coach Alastair Clarkson could appreciate the emotion behind the spur of the moment gesture even if it did nearly cost his side a goal.

"It was a little bit symbolic that Crawf gets the last goal of the game," Clarkson said.

"I remember two years ago in Johnny Barker's send-off game he kicked a goal late in the game and every player on the ground went and tapped him on the backside.

"That was the same today, but we were a bit worried when Croady did it though because he had a long way to come from and we were anticipating that Daniel Bradshaw might get a mark late in the game and sure enough he did, but fortunately he missed the goal."     

Crawford's performance was a credit to his professionalism in a week that held plenty of distractions for him.

"I had to treat it a bit differently this week but it's been great," he said.

"The club's been very supportive and having your family and friends around you on such a special occasion makes it even better, especially when the team plays really well and you get to be a part of that."

It was Crawford's ninth game in a season where he has been slowed by knee tendonitis, but the veteran now has his eyes firmly set on playing a big part in September.

"I felt like it was my first game today which was a great feeling," he said with a wry smile.

"But no I've pulled up really well and I'll look forward to next week and look forward to the finals."