Hawthorn was made to earn its 10th win of the season, but has now tightened its grip on a top four spot at the Magpies' (8-5) expense.
The Travis Cloke-led Pies threw everything at the Hawks after their shock loss to the Western Bulldogs last weekend, but could never regain the lead after Hawthorn hit the front midway through the opening term.
Collingwood charged to within two points in the third term on the back of three goals from Cloke and one from Jamie Elliott, but Hawthorn found another gear when it mattered, booting seven of the last nine goals.
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"We've got a group that are resilient and Collingwood came and we knew they would," Bolton said post-match.
"I thought we responded really well to their challenge and it was probably just because we were a little bit smarter with our ball use.
"It was good to see 'Sewelly' put another one (good game) on the board – two in a row."
Luke Breust (four goals) and Jarryd Roughead (three goals) led the Hawks' scoring, while Ryan Schoenmakers booted two after Brian Lake's return released him in a swingman role.
Lake had not played since round seven and was beaten by Travis Cloke – who finished with five goals and 10 marks – in a fascinating duel with the Pies' big man.
"The one thing about him he's a big body and it creates a bit of flexibility for us," he said.
"It allowed us to put Schoenmakers up forward, which is something different and that's what makes us unpredictable I think.
"He does more than just defend for us, he allows us to throw our side around which is important."
Lake received solid support from cult hero Matt Spangher (19 disposals, eight marks), who played arguably his best game for the season.
But Spangher's spot could be in jeopardy when Ben Stratton and Josh Gibson return from injury, and developing ruckman Jonathon Ceglar could also face the axe despite a superb game in the ruck.
The 23-year-old had the better of Collingwood's Jarrod Witts - and finished with 13 touches and a goal – but ex-Saint Ben McEvoy booted five goals in the VFL for Box Hill on Saturday.
Hawthorn is building towards its best 22, with midfielder Sam Mitchell expected back in the next few weeks and defender Ben Stratton likely to put his hand up to play Gold Coast next Saturday.
Recuperating coach Alastair Clarkson was spotted in the rooms post-match and is also a chance to return in the next few weeks, Bolton said.
Twitter: @TravKing_AFL
