IT MIGHTN'T have been the classic we've come to expect between these great rivals, but it mattered little for the Lance Franklin-inspired Sydney Swans as they ground out a 14-point triumph over Hawthorn in an error-riddled clash on Friday night. 

Just six days after letting four points slip through their fingers in the final-minute against Richmond, the Swans returned to the MCG on a mission and atoned with a 10.9 (69) to 7.13 (55) triumph, their seventh win for 2016. 

Full match coverage and stats

Despite leading from the 15-minute mark of the opening term, it took two final-quarter flashes of brilliance from Franklin (three goals) to finally seal the deal.

After Hawthorn ruckman Jonathon Ceglar coughed the ball up at centre-half forward with a handball to the turned back of Will Langford, the Swans swept the ball to the wing where Franklin took possession with almost no teammates ahead.

Five talking points: Hawthorn v Sydney Swans

In inimitable style, the superstar swung onto his booming left boot and unloaded a 75m bomb that bounced through, driving a dagger through the hearts of his ex-teammates.

It was a major few players other than the $10-million dollar man could've kicked and when Franklin received a handball on the 50m arc and wheeled onto his left again minutes later the result was beyond doubt, with the Swans going 21 points up.

Speaking post-match, Longmire praised the Coleman Medal leader for his outstanding year to date after coming back from mental health issues last season.

"He's been so consistent and his preparation has been outstanding," Longmire said.

"We've had a younger forward line at times this year and he's been steering them around. His willingness to share possessions and goals – he's just been fantastic.

WATCH: John Longmire's full post-match media conference

"He's in a good space and playing good footy."

While the Hawks didn't get the win they hoped for Jarryd Roughead, it was in some ways fitting that his great mate Franklin had the final say.

Hawks drawing strength from Roughead's fight: Breust

Fans around the ground stood and applauded in the second-minute of the second term in a touching show of support for Roughead, who revealed the reoccurrence of his melanoma during the week.

However, Hawthorn supporters were otherwise largely muted by their team's uncharacteristic sloppiness as the Swans tiptoed ahead almost as if they were scared to wake the sleeping giant.

John Longmire's men booted the opening six goals of the game before Jack Gunston (four goals) led a fightback either side of the main break.

But too many Hawks were down – including the normally ultra-reliable Sam Mitchell (14 disposals) - as they were again beaten up in contested ball (162-133) and slumped to a third loss for the season.

How the fans saw it: Hawthorn v Sydney Swans

"We actually weren't too bad in contested footy against a pretty good contested side," coach Alastair Clarkson said.

"Sydney are really high in that stat and 20 (19) of theirs came tonight from contested marks, they were really strong in the air.

"They had a period of dominance in the second quarter, outside of that we matched them really strongly in that area of the game.

"We just shaded them in clearances (39-37) and had control of the ball enough to be able to kick a score to win the game and we didn't do it."

WATCH: Alastair Clarkson's full post-match media conference

Playing his first game this year after a severe hamstring, Swans speedster Gary Rohan (three goals) lit up a dour affair, while big man Kurt Tippett (two goals, 35 hit-outs) was outstanding in the ruck and a threat drifting forward.

Dan Hannebery (33 disposals) worked his way into the match after a quiet opening term, while Luke Parker's (30) poise was important and Nick Smith was rock solid in defence in his 150th game.

Hawks wingman Isaac Smith (26) tried hard to lift his side with support from opposite number Billy Hartung (21), while Liam Shiels (24) and Taylor Duryea (22) never gave an inch.

But it was the Swans, who lost key defender Ted Richards to concussion in the first quarter, who prevailed, notching their second win from the past five clashes with the Hawks and consolidating their position in the top four.

MEDICAL ROOM
Hawthorn: Appeared to get through unscathed, although stars Cyril Rioli and Josh Gibson were among several Hawks who lingered on the ground after contests and might be on lighter duties this week.

Sydney Swans: Lost Ted Richards to concussion just before quarter-time and the key defender will be monitored before an important role next Friday night against North Melbourne's tall forward line.

NEXT UP
The Swans have another blockbuster Friday night clash, this time at home against the as yet undefeated Kangaroos at the SCG. The Hawks will welcome a seemingly straight-forward encounter against the struggling Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

HAWTHORN               0.2   2.4    5.7   7.13   (55)                  
SYDNEY SWANS        1.2   6.5    7.6   10.9   (69)          

GOALS
Hawthorn: Gunston 4, Rioli, Puopolo, Breust
Sydney Swans: Franklin 3, Rohan 3, McGlynn 2, Tippett 2 

BEST 
Hawthorn: Smith, Gunston, Hartung, Duryea, Shiels, Birchall
Sydney Swans: Hannebery, Grundy, Parker, Rohan, Mitchell, Tippett, Franklin 

INJURIES 
Hawthorn: Nil
Sydney Swans: Richards (concussion)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Nicholls, Schmitt, Hay

Official crowd: 61,552 at the MCG