Hawthorn's Lance Franklin again proved Adelaide's nemesis as the Hawks streamed to a 17.12 (114) to 10.10 (70) AFL win at Launceston's Aurora Stadium.

Franklin kicked six goals, to help the Hawks maintain their unbeaten record and follow up the seven he booted to lift his side to a thrilling elimination final victory over the Crows last season.

It gives him 21 goals for the season so far, after four rounds.

In the first half, he was the difference between the two sides, as both teams congested the middle of the ground and neither side could move the ball with any speed or efficiency.

The lack of free movement made scoring difficult, but Franklin still managed four goals for the half, proving too mobile for Ben Rutten and bombing in three set shots from 50m or beyond and another from closer range.

It gave his side an 8.5 (53) to 5.5 (35) lead at the main change.

The Hawks were able to break the game open in the third quarter, their defensive pressure, hard running and precise kicking wearing down the Crows, who were coming off a gruelling win over Port Adelaide last round.

The Hawks outscored Adelaide 6.3 to 3.2 for the quarter, at one stage stretching their lead to 44 points.

Midfielder Chance Bateman, celebrating his 100th game, was brilliant in the third term, racking up a dozen touches, most of them telling.

He opened the quarter with a clever left foot goal on the run, then followed up with a nice pass to set up Mark Williams for a goal, as well as making several bursting runs out of the centre square.

It was one of three goals Williams kicked for the day, in his first game back since round four last season, when he injured his knee.

He was a late inclusion, along with Tim Clarke, with Sam Mitchell and Tim Boyle both withdrawn from the starting side.

Running left-footers Brent Guerra, Clinton Young and Grant Birchall all used the ball beautifully for the Hawks, with Guerra piling up kicks playing loose in defence to be one of his side's main driving forces.

Luke Hodge was a standout with his aggressive attack on the ball in the midfield, while Cyril Rioli continued the fine start to his career with some strong tackling and ability to find space with bursts of speed.

For the Crows, Tyson Edwards and Michael Doughty worked hard in the midfield to be their best players.

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