The Hawthorn Football Club will always have the 2008 premiership, but has been made to pay a hefty price for that upset win over Geelong.

That's now seven straight losses to the Cats and for the first time, it wasn't even close. And a poor night for the Hawks turned disastrous when superstar forward Lance Franklin hobbled from the ground in the final term with a knee injury that will surely keep him out for the rest of the season and potentially, a good chunk of next year as well.

But more about the Cats. After an even start, they smashed the Hawks in the clearances and showed up the Hawthorn backline for size and strength. Cameron Ling was great on Sam Mitchell, keeping the Hawk midfielder to a season-low 18 touches.

Josh Hunt and Corey Enright combined to put the clamps on Cyril Rioli, leaving only Luke Hodge to try and win it for the Hawks. The skipper battled hard, but didn't have any mates.

Chris Scott must think this coaching caper is a breeze. But his stamp on the side is starting to become clear, with the likes of Cam Mooney and Darren Milburn missing out against the Hawks and the spark coming from youngsters such as Allen Christensen and Mitch Duncan. Daniel Menzel was looking great until he hurt his knee, rather innocuously it looked, and he is set to miss the next 12 months.

Brad Ottens was best afield, Steve Johnson might have been if not for the lairising, while Joel Selwood, James Kelly and Jimmy Bartel were solid, rather than brilliant. Even second ruckman Trent West got in on the act with a final quarter hanger and goal, which pretty much signed and sealed the win.

The Hawks were horrible. After working hard to lead at the first change, they couldn't get their hands on the ball in the second term. The Cats smashed them in contested ball. Mitchell was down, Shaun Burgoyne quiet and Brad Sewell not busy enough.

Save for the brave defensive work of Josh Gibson and the fine debut final of Isaac Smith, there was little to enthuse about for those of the brown and gold persuasion. They'll want to do better in the clinches, the Hawks, or the in-and-under specialists from the Swans or the Saints will touch them up next week as well.

As for the Cats, you can lock in that Grand Final appearance on October 1 against Collingwood. And with two wins already for the season against the Pies, they could well win a third.