Brisbane coach Michael Voss says his AFL side has not taken a backward step, figuratively or in the physical clashes, despite being outclassed by Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.

Hawks star Lance Franklin booted five goals as the Hawks turned a seven-point quarter-time deficit into a run-away 19.21 (135) to 11.4 (70) win, with 11 of the last 14 goals.

Classy utility Shaun Burgoyne was best afield with 24 touches, two goals and seven tackles, mixing midfield stints with time in attack.

Fifth-gamer Dayne Zorko was the Lions’ best with 24 disposals and three goals.

It was the Hawks’ third straight win, all by healthy margins, since their shock 62-point loss to Richmond in round nine, leaving them only a small percentage gap outside the top four.

The Lions, who had a bye last weekend, had come looking to build on their upset victory over top-placed West Coast in the previous round.

They threatened the Hawks early, capitalising on some Hawthorn inaccuracy to build a quarter-time lead.

The Lions were still within 10 points early in the second half, before Hawthorn surged clear.

But while the Hawks controlled the game for much of the day, Voss was encouraged.

“I certainly don’t think we took a step backwards, let’s put it that way,” Voss told reporters.

“I don’t think we walk away and I could question the guys’ effort and attitude and want to take it up to the opposition.

“There were some ripping physical contests against a good side.”

But Voss said superior ball use and decision making by the Hawks and Hawthorn’s ability to put Brisbane under constant pressure when they had the ball made the difference.

“The last couple of weeks they’ve got their mojo back a little bit, I’m sure they’ll figure prominently in the finals,” Voss said.

Burgoyne’s midfield work was pivotal to Hawthorn taking control in the second term and he kicked one goal and helped set up another in the third quarter as the Hawks pushed further clear.

Franklin had a huge second quarter, which included two goals, and added three classy majors in the last to extend his season tally to a competition-leading 43.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson described Burgoyne as Hawthorn’s Mr Fix-it, with Sunday’s midfield role ensuring his side was not hurt by the absence of the suspended Jordan Lewis.

“Whether he’s in the midfield, forward or back, he’s just outstanding in one-on-one contests, very very strong and rarely beaten,” Clarkson said.

Burgoyne, an All Australian midfielder and premiership star for Port Adelaide before joining the Hawks in 2010, said he was enjoying not having a set role.

“Not knowing where I’m going to play, it keeps you on edge,” he said.