Hawthorn have survived a late challenge from the Kangaroos to win their AFL match by 21 points at Telstra Dome.

Lance Franklin and Sam Mitchell sealed the match with goals in time-on as the Hawks won 13.13 (91) to 10.10 (70).

After a dour first half, the Hawks kicked five goals to two in the third and another three in the last term to lead by 29 points.

But the Kangaroos reduced the margin to 10 points with a run of three goals before the Hawks steadied.

Mitchell was best afield with 33 possessions and key forward Mark Williams kicked four goals, including two superb set shots from acute angles.

The 'Roos competed hard throughout the game, but they lacked enough class to take the contest away from the Hawks.

Midfielders Daniel Wells and Daniel Harris impressed for the Kangaroos, while Brent Harvey and Daniel Pratt kicked two goals apiece.

The Hawks should have iced the game in the third term, when they cut loose and kicked 5.6 to 2.2 for a 12-point lead at the last change.

Hawthorn missed several straight-forward shots that would have put the game beyond reach.

Only eight goals were kicked in the first half as the two teams failed to find any system.

The Kangaroos frequently started extra men in defence to bottle up the skilled Hawks attack.

When they went forward, the 'Roos often kicked high to the "hot spot" in front of goal, even though Nathan Thompson's absence for the rest of the season with a knee reconstruction means they lack a big-marking forward.

Those long kicks to a contest in front of goal meant the Hawks were usually able to clear the ball out of defence, but they also had a lot of trouble setting up anything ahead of centre.

The conditions also did not help - even though the game was played under the Telstra Dome roof, the atmosphere was dewy and the surface was like a skating rink.

The Kangaroos led for much of the first half, taking a seven-point break into quarter-time and 10 points at half-time.

The fans showed their displeasure about the standard of play by roundly booing at half-time as the teams left the field.

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