Hawthorn has survived a determined Richmond fightback to break a six-match losing streak with a thrilling 13.11 (89) to 13.8 (86) AFL victory at the MCG.

The Hawks led Sunday's match from early in the second quarter and were as much as 15 points ahead deep in the final term.

But the winless Tigers fought back with two quick goals in time-on, a long, running shot from Matthew White, before key forward Jack Riewoldt kicked his fourth major after a brilliant pack mark.

It closed the gap to three points, and the Tigers were able to move the ball forward and give themselves a chance to win the game in the final minute.

After Richmond's Richard Tambling gave away a free kick at half-forward, Hawk Beau Muston's clearing kick to skipper Sam Mitchell was spoiled by Tigers midfielder Shane Tuck.

Tuck gathered the spillage and burst inside 50m, but a desperate lunging tackle by Mitchell caught him holding the ball with about 30 seconds left, and the Hawks were able to keep possession and ice the game.

Earlier, Richmond started with a burst, kicking the first three goals of the match.

But the Hawks fought back with two goals in time-on of the first term.

Down by just two points at the first change, Hawthorn took the ascendancy with three quick goals early in the second quarter to establish a 16-point lead, and were never headed from that point.

But the Tigers were never out of the hunt, trailing by just seven points at halftime and 11 at the last change.

Jarryd Roughead goaled to put Hawthorn 17 points up soon after the resumption.

However Richmond kicked three of the next four goals to move within less than a kick, before consecutive goals to Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli took the buffer back to 15 points.

The second of those came from a turnover in defence, although Brown was lucky not to give away a free kick for what appeared to be a high bump on Richmond's Daniel Jackson, as the Tiger was bent over the ball, to spark the passage of play.

Jackson was excellent for Richmond, picking up 31 touches and shading opponent Mitchell, while Luke Hodge was Hawthorn's best and former Port Adelaide star Shaun Burgoyne performed well in his first game for the club.

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