Hawthorn's stars came to the fore in a brilliant final quarter as they downed the Western Bulldogs by three points in a high-class AFL clash at the MCG.

The Hawks claimed the biggest scalp of their seven-match winning streak in a nail biting 12.7 (79) to 11.10 (76) victory.

Captain Sam Mitchell, vice-captain Luke Hodge and star forward Lance Franklin all kicked classy goals in the last term, as the Hawks overcame an eight-point deficit to win a thriller.

The victory took them to an 8-6 record, now trailing the Bulldogs only on percentage.

The Bulldogs led by five points at the last change and had their chances to build a decisive buffer when they controlled the first eight minutes of the final stanza.

But midfielder Ryan Griffen missed a 30m set shot and then youngsters Jarrad Grant and Callan Ward both hit the post with snaps to push the margin out to eight points.

Hawthorn's Jarryd Roughead closed the gap to two points with a roving goal, before a brilliant Mitchell left-foot snap from close to the boundary line put his side in front.

A banana goal from Bulldog Robert Murphy, who played well in defence before being shifted forward late, regained the lead for the Dogs.

But Hodge produced another gem to put the Hawks back in front entering time-on, after breaking clear of an Adam Cooney tackle.

The Hawks then produced an even better passage of play for what seemed to be the sealer to Franklin 26 minutes into the term.

But the Bulldogs were given one last chance when Franklin stepped over the mark on the wing to hand Grant a 50m penalty and the youngster capitalised with 31 seconds on the clock to cut the gap back to three points.

The Dogs managed one last forward thrust, with fifth-gamer Easton Wood firing off an ambitious 60m shot seconds before the siren, only for Hawk Xavier Ellis to mark in his defensive goal square.

Hodge and Mitchell were both superb for the winners, with Rioli and Burgoyne also important.

Lake was outstanding in defence for the Dogs, despite opponent Franklin kicking three important goals, with the Bulldogs fullback taking 18 marks and picking up 28 touches.

Murphy was also good, along with midfielders Cooney, Daniel Cross and Matthew Boyd and ruckman Ben Hudson.

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