The  Hawks struggled to shake off a determined Brisbane for three quarters in what was at times a scrappy and defensive game, but the floodgates opened in the final quarter as the Hawks ran out comfortable winners 21.13 (139) to 13.13 (91).

The Lions struggled to find options to goal in a low scoring first half, managing only three goals to half-time while the Hawks kicked seven.

The young Lions matched the reigning premier at clearances, stoppages and inside-50s, but failed to convert opportunities.

Hawthorn led by five points at quarter-time and extended it to 22 at the main break with a four-goal-to-one quarter. But the Lions refused to give in and fought their way back into the contest in the third term, kicking five of the next seven goals to cut the deficit to just two points midway through  the quarter after two goals each to Sam Mayes and Trent West, and a single to Tom Rockliff.

The Hawks were under siege but responded, booting the last four goals of the quarter to open up a 25-point advantage at three-quarter time.

Hawthorn controlled the final term, kicking seven goals to five as the final margin blew out to 48 points in what developed into a second half shootout.

Luke Breust finished with five goals for the Hawks, as did Jarryd Roughead, with two each to Isaac Smith, Jack Gunston and Liam Shiels.

Veteran Jonathan Brown booted four for Brisbane, with three each to West and Rockliff and two to Mayes.

Grant Birchall was the best possession winner for the Hawks with 31 touches, while Brad Hills and Smith had 26.

Dane Zorko had 28 possessions for the Lions, with Brent Moloney having 23 and Josh Green 21.

The victory continued Hawthorn's impressive record at its Aurora Stadium fortress, where it has won 15 of the past 16 games since mid-2010.