The only way to beat unstoppable Collingwood is to change how they play, says Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

But the Hawks were unable to force the Magpies into altering a game-plan which is looking as bombproof as their AFL premiership defence, losing by 41 points at the MCG on Sunday.

The Magpies turned on an awesome display of midfield power, locked down Hawks star Lance Franklin and generally did as they pleased in the 15.16 (106) to 9.11 (65) victory to close within a win of top side Geelong.

And the Cats' shock four-point defeat by Essendon on Saturday night has given the Magpies renewed hope of finishing top of the ladder.

Clarkson, whose Hawks remain in the top four and were considered one of few teams capable of wresting the flag from Collingwood or Geelong, came away further convinced the Magpies have what it takes to go back-to-back.

"I get the impression that they're going to be pretty tough to beat come September," Clarkson said.

"They are an outstanding side because they can just play consistently from one quarter to the next the way that they want to play.

"Until sides can actually force them to change some of the things that they like to do, it's going to make it difficult for them to get beaten."

The undermanned Hawthorn were torched by midfield stars Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury and Dale Thomas.

Despite the best efforts of Hawks skipper Luke Hodge, who had 40 touches in defence, the Pies saw off another premiership rival to post their 12th win in 13 matches.

Only Geelong have beaten them this season.

But the Cats now only hold top spot by virtue of having not had two byes after the Bombers stunned them 18.7 (115) to 16.15 (111) at Etihad Stadium in a classic.

With youngsters Jake Melksham and Dyson Heppell outstanding, the Bombers pulled off a famous victory, holding off every Cats surge including a late final quarter fightback.

"I'm very happy with our boys' performance," coach James Hird said following Essendon's sixth win from 14 games this season.

"We've been under the pump losing five in a row.

"They played some really good football. There's a lot of room for improvement still."

The Bombers have climbed into the top eight, after North Melbourne missed the chance to jump them with a nine-point loss to St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Lower down the table, Brisbane climbed away from wooden spoon territory, overrunning 16th-placed Port Adelaide 15.9 (99) to 13.10 (88) at the Gabba.

And Adelaide broke a six-game losing streak before their lowest ever home crowd at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night, winning 8.9 (57) to Sydney's 6.14 (50).

Gold Coast remain bottom of the ladder after a 50-point loss to Fremantle in Perth.

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