HAWTHORN'S Michael Osborne set the standard for his side's intent midway through the first quarter, applying intense pressure to Joel Selwood as the Cats' midfielder attempted to kick out of defence.

Selwood shanked the kick, which was mopped up by Lance Franklin, who was moving well despite his calf problems during the week. Franklin then passed to Brad Sewell, who kicked his first goal from point blank range.

At the other end, Geelong forward James Podsiadly started like a train with six first-half goals.

After he kicked his fifth goal midway through the second quarter, the Hawks made the change, giving Josh Gibson a spell and sending Ryan Schoenmakers to the hot Cat.

It didn't seem to matter too much and nine minutes later Podsiadly proved that sometimes, the footy Gods just smile on you. The ball came in and Schoenmakers did all he could to get between it and Podsiadly, but he couldn't stop it cannoning into the big Cat's forehead - and bouncing off into his hands for another contested mark. Podsiadly then went back and booted his sixth.