AFTER six consecutive losses, Hawthorn has hung on to record a three-point win over a gallant Richmond side still searching for its first win of the at the MCG.

In a pulsating final quarter, the Hawks held on to win 13. 11 (89) to 13. 8 (86) thanks to captain Sam Mitchell, whose lunging tackle on Shane Tuck denied the midfielder a shot on goal with the Tigers down by just three points deep into the final quarter.

The last quarter had it all, with the Hawks stretching their lead to 17 points early in the quarter.

But a key miss to Young - with Franklin in the clear by himself in the square - saw the Tigers get back in the game with goals to Alex Rance and Angus Graham.

A bone-crushing collision between Campbell Brown - celebrating his 150th game - and Daniel Jackson saw the Hawks sweep the ball forward, with Rioli kicking his third goal for the quarter and fourth for the match.

But a strong mark to Riewoldt against three Hawks opponents had the Tigers close within three points. With seconds remaining, Tuck ran onto a loose ball, but Mitchell's lunging tackle saved the day.

With the Hawks fielding a near full-strength side for the first time this season, it was new recruit Shaun Burgoyne who stole the show.
 
Playing his first game in the brown and gold, the former Port player was sensational for the Hawks, gathering 20 possessions, while he was well supported by Mitchell who finished the match with 29 touches.

For the Tigers, Trent Cotchin continued his rise as a premier midfielder with 27 possessions while the defensive pair of Will Thursfield and Luke McGuane kept Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin to just four goals between them.

Jackson - given the task playing on Sam Mitchell - finished the game with 31 possessions and was instrumental in the centre clearances in which the Tigers dominated 19 to six.

Richmond   3.1  6.5  8.5  13.8 (86)
Hawthorn   2.5  7.6  9.10  13.11 (89)

GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 4, Newman 2, Graham 2, Edwards, Jackson, Tambling, Rance, White
Hawthorn: Rioli 4, Peterson 2, Roughead 2, Franklin 2, Birchall, Lewis, Young

BEST
Richmond: Jackson, Cotchin, Deledio, Graham, Riewoldt, Thursfield
Hawthorn: Mitchell, Hodge, Burgoyne, Lewis, Rioli, Sewell

INJURIES
Richmond: Tambling (concussion)
Hawthorn: None

Reports: Nil

Umpires: McLaren, Sully, Pannell
Official crowd: 41, 563 at MCG

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