Hawthorn and Adelaide have fought back superbly in the final term of their AFL matches to post important wins at the halfway mark of the season.

The Hawks and Crows improved their win-loss records to 6-5 while Geelong also survived a strong challenge from West Coast on Sunday to remain unbeaten.

At the MCG, controversial Sydney forward Barry Hall had a last-quarter brain snap, conceding three successive 50m penalties to gift the Hawks a crucial goal.

Hawthorn had lost defenders Campbell Brown and Tom Murphy as late withdrawals, while Cyril Rioli (hamstring) and Luke Hodge (ankle) were hurt during the game.

Xavier Ellis was concussed early, but was able to return as the Hawks won 12.14 (86) to 11.9 (75).

"It's a very, very fine line between pleasure and pain, isn't it?," said Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson.

"Fortunately for us we were in front at the right time, but it was a real arm wrestle all day and we showed a fair amount of character and spirit to fight our way back into the contest in the last quarter when we had some pretty sore and sorry players."

Adelaide beat Essendon by 16 points in a shootout on Sunday at Etihad Stadium, where the Crows did not hit the front until early in the final quarter.

Tyson Edwards had 41 disposals in his 300th game and Kurt Tippett kicked seven goals as Adelaide won 21.4 (130) to 18.6 (114).

The Crows have now won their last three games and coach Neil Craig said his developing side is eyeing September.

"We certainly feel like we're in a healthy position in terms of the next two to three years," he said.

"We're very strong that we actually want to make the finals, it's important that we keep that pressure on ourselves."

The Eagles pushed Geelong all day and trailed by only three points early in the second half.

Gary Ablett had 43 disposals, while Eagles ruckman Dean Cox racked up 30 disposals and 32 hitouts in the Cats' 15.9 (99) to 11.11 (77) win.

It was the first time this season that the Cats have not kicked 100 points in a game.

On Saturday night, Carlton and Port Adelaide also improved their records to 6-5.

The Blues survived a late surge from Brisbane to beat them by six points at the 'Gabba, 16.16 (112) to 16.10 (106), with Blues full-forward Brendan Fevola kicking eight goals.

The Power's six-goal third term proved crucial as they beat Fremantle by 24 points at AAMI Stadium, 14.10 (94) to 11.4 (70).

Earlier on Saturday, St Kilda overcame North Melbourne's strong start to extend their winning streak to 11, a club record.

They broke clear in the second half to win by 46 points, 15.13 (103) to 9.3 (57).

Terry Wallace coached Richmond for the last time on Friday night as the Western Bulldogs thrashed them by 68 points.

The day after the 24.13 (157) to 14.5 (89) result, Richmond named Jade Rawlings as their caretaker coach.

Round 11 ends on Monday with the annual Queen's Birthday blockbuster between Melbourne and Collingwood.

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