A five-goal haul to Lance Franklin helped Hawthorn weather an early challenge and cruise to a commanding 19.21 (135) to 11.4 (70) AFL win over Brisbane at the MCG on Sunday.

Shaun Burgoyne was a key player for the Hawks with 24 disposals, two goals and seven tackles while fifth-gamer Dayne Zorko impressed with three goals and 24 touches for the Lions.

The Lions’ most recent performance had been an upset Gabba win over top-placed West Coast.

They threatened to claim another big scalp with a promising start against the Hawks, kicking three of the last four goals of the opening term to take a seven-point lead at the first change.

The Hawks were not helped by some poor kicking for goal, while Lions captain Jonathan Brown kicked two goals for the opening quarter and Hawk midfielder Sam Mitchell was well held by Andrew Raines.

But the Hawks took control in the second term as they dominated in the midfield to outscore the Lions 4.6 to 1.1 for the quarter and take a 16-point lead into the main break.

Mitchell lifted in the second term, while Brown did not add to his quarter-time goal tally until deep in the last.

Burgoyne had a big influence in the midfield in the second quarter to help spark the Hawks while Franklin used his pace to pick up nine touches for the term, including two goals.

One of those came from a 55m bomb, after Franklin won a free kick with a ferocious tackle on opponent Matt Maguire.

The Lions briefly narrowed the margin to 10 points when Raines kicked the opening goal of the second half.

But they did not score again until a Zorko goal nine minutes into the last quarter, by which stage the Hawks had surged 59 points clear.

Burgoyne snapped one goal and helped set up another in the third quarter, while Cyril Rioli capped the term with a brilliant turn and snap after pouncing on a ground ball.

Three classy last-quarter goals from Franklin ensured Hawthorn buried the Lions.