Hawks pip Crows in thriller

Hawthorn has broken its AAMI Stadium hoodoo and maintained top spot with a thrilling four-point victory over Adelaide on Saturday.

The Hawks narrowly trailed for most of the tight contest but edged in front when a composed Luke Hodge kicked the match-winner with four minutes left to play.

The 11.10 (76) to 10.12 (72) result was Hawthorn's first win at West Lakes since 1994.

Adelaide kept Lance Franklin goalless for three quarters but the competition's best forward chipped in with a long major and nine touches to be an important player in the final term.

It was a mixed night for Franklin who also kicked six points and was reported in the second quarter for a high bump against Michael Doughty.

Hodge's pressure goal topped off a great evening which also included 28 disposals. Sam Mitchell was influential in the second half and had 25 possessions while Jordan Lewis was another big disposal winner.

Nathan Bock had Franklin's measure and collected 35 disposals, Scott Thompson's rich vein of form continued, while Nathan van Berlo was another busy player.

Adelaide was on fire in the opening five minutes of the game, collecting 21 possessions before Hawthorn could get an effective touch. And they took an early lead when Bernie Vince and Luke Jericho chimed in with majors.

It was eight minutes before the Hawks could work their way into the contest, with Michael Osborne bringing some relief through a set shot from close range.

Cyril Rioli then scored the visitors' second goal and from that point it was a classic first-quarter arm wrestle.

The tight battle continued in the second term with Adelaide getting an early break.

But the Hawks maintained composure and matched the opposition's intensity. Mark Williams bobbed up with two majors and helped his side take the lead for the first time.

But their ascendancy was fleeting; Jason Porplyzia scored the last goal of the half to give the home side a two-point buffer.

The third term was one of swinging momentum with the Crows gaining a handy advantage before the Hawks struck back.

Porplyzia lifted the AAMI Stadium crowd with two opportunist goals within 90 seconds putting his side 13-points clear.

Hawthorn was under pressure but responded quickly with Roughead scoring the next two majors from long range.

The Crows went into the final change three points up with Bernie Vince kicking a behind after the siren.

The tight tussle continued in the fourth quarter with Adelaide keeping its nose in front with goals to Edwards and Jericho.

But the Hawks scored consecutive majors - a long bomb from 60 metres from Michael Osborne and Hodge's match-winner saw the visitors sneak ahead.

The visitors then controlled possession for the final two minutes in a tense conclusion to the clash.

ADELAIDE: 2.4, 5.7, 8.10, 10.12 (72)
HAWTHORN: 2.3, 5.5, 8.7, 11.10 (76)

GOALS: ADELAIDE: Porplyzia 3, Douglas 2, Edwards 2, Jericho 2, Vince
HAWTHORN: Roughead 3, Williams 2, Osborne 2, Rioli, Mitchell, Franklin, Hodge
BEST: ADELAIDE: Bock, Thompson, van Berlo, Goodwin, Porplyzia, Edwards
HAWTHORN: Hodge, Mitchell, Lewis, Osborne Roughead, Ellis, Ladson, Brown
INJURIES: ADELAIDE: Bassett (neck)
HAWTHORN: Bateman (hamstring), Ellis (calf)
REPORTS: Lance Franklin reported for high contact on Michael Doughty in the second quarter.
CHANGES: Croad (hip) replaced in the Hawthorn side by Murphy. Reilly (groin) replaced in the Adelaide side by Otten.
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Wenn, Mollison
CROWD: 44,459 at the AAMI STADIUM

Sportal AFL Player of the Year votes:
3. L. Hodge (Hawthorn)
2. N. Bock (Adelaide)
1. S. Mitchell (Hawthorn)