HAWTHORN has shown it is a genuine premiership contender with a 162 point win over the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS at the MCG.

Led by its stars Jarred Roughead (six goals), Buddy Franklin (four) and Cyril Rioli (three), the Hawks were too powerful for the young GIANTS in just their second outing on the MCG.

After the match head coach Kevin Sheedy said while it was a disappointing loss, he expected Hawthorn to play off in this year's AFL Grand Final. "No matter who they play they are going to smash a lot of sides," he said.

Asked about the Hawks'  flag chances this year, Sheedy referred to their narrow loss to Collingwood in last year's preliminary final. "You get a bit hungry when you've been beaten a few times."

With 12 teenagers in their side, the GIANTS fought hard in close, even leading in both contested possessions and clearances at half-time. But Hawthorn was more accomplished in all other areas, using the ball with far greater efficiency

Last week's NAB Rising Star nominee Toby Greene was his team's best player. The talented 18 year-old onballer gathered 34 disposals in a head-to-head battle with Hawks star Sam Mitchell, who finished with 33 touches. Stephen Coniglio (25 possessions) and Taylor Adams (24) were also busy.

Veteran Chad Cornes kicked two of the Giants' four goals in his 250th game, including a memorable effort from 80m out that bounced like an off-break and rolled through.

Afterwards, Cornes said the young team would learn a lot from the game. "It's a great experience playing on Roughead and Buddy. You go through ups and downs and in couple of years time these boys (the GIANTS) will be up," he said.

The GIANTS will take on Adelaide at Skoda Stadium next Sunday in the first off three home games in Sydney over the next month.

HAWTHORN            5.6     11.11    20.20    28.25   (193)                  
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY     1.2    2.4     3.5    4.7   (31)          
 
GOALS
Hawthorn: Roughead 6, Franklin 4, Breust 3, Rioli 3, Young 2, Hale 2, Savage, Lewis, Gunston, Shiels, Murphy, Suckling, Mitchell, Puopolo
Greater Western Sydney: Cornes 2, Wilson, Adams
 
BEST
Hawthorn: Rioli, Suckling, Birchall, Lewis, Shiels, Roughead, Mitchell
Greater Western Sydney: Greene, Coniglio, Cornes, Adams
 
INJURIES
Hawthorn: TBC
Greater Western Sydney: TBC
 
SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Lance Franklin replaced in the third quarter by Ben Stratton
Greater Western Sydney: James McDonald replaced in the third quarter by Nick Haynes
 
Reports: Jeremy Cameron (GWS) reported for making high contact with Clinton Young in the third quarter
 
Umpires: Ritchie, Ryan, Pannell
 
Official crowd: 26,518 at the MCG