It came down to the wire in the dewy Sunday evening showdown, but a shoddy Hawks attack ultimately felled the home team at UTAS Stadium.

The Hawks had plenty of entries in the final quarter, but outside a very late goal from Dylan Moore, the side failed to capitalise on opportunities.

The Bombers, on the other hand, were able to find holes in the Hawks' back-line to have one up on the Hawks throughout the contest.

This was epitomised by Jacob Stringer, whose day was highlighted by soccering in a wild ball through the uprights in the opening term.

The 27-year-old played fiercely against the Hawks, able to have his way for their backs and tallying four majors.

He was joined by fellow forward-pocket Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuiti (two goals), who kicked a momentum-swinging goal in the third to keep his side on top.

McDonald-Tipungwuiti wasn't without his generosity, however, handing the ball to Matt Guelfi in front of the goal to have the Hawks on the ropes.

After booting five goals against the Crows earlier this year at UTAS, Jacob Koschitzke had a semi-solid game, leading his team with three goals.

However, both he and the rest of the Hawks offence struggled to convert on entries throughout the match.

Tom Mitchell was finally able to break the Hawks' quarter-long goal drought late in the second, pummeling his way through to boot a major in what was a possession-heavy game for the Brownlow Medallist.

From there, Hawthorn was able to get its mojo back, with a left-foot snap from Luke Breust (three goals) and a stray Chad Wingard had the Hawks humming.

Both sides' midfields had their notables in applying the pressure in the first half, before sprinting through lanes in a score-heavy second.

The Bombers' comprehensive midfield effort was aided by ruckman Sam Draper, who used his intimidating height to shepherd his flanks with ease.

On the other side, debutant Lachlan Bramble was able to lend his speed and elusiveness in centrefield to impress in his first AFL match.

The former Calder Cannon, along with fellow midfielders Tom Phillips and Jarman Impey, played admirably for the home team with the latter able to take crucial contested marks to keep his forwards attentive.