Hawthorn crushes Richmond, surges to top‑four on AFL ladder

Hawthorn defeated Richmond 122–52 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a 70‑point victory that lifted the Hawks back into the top four of the AFL ladder. Forward Mitch Lewis and Nick Watson each kicked five goals in the first half, propelling Hawthorn to a 63‑point halftime lead, their biggest in five seasons. Veteran Tom Lynch celebrated his 500th career goal late in the match, while Richmond marked Dion Prestia’s 250th game.

Richmond suffered injuries, with Taj Hotton leaving with an ankle injury and youngster Steely Green receiving a head‑impact assessment. Hawthorn’s only reported injury concern was Jack Ginnivan, who withdrew at halftime with back soreness. The win gave Hawthorn a strong percentage boost and moved them to third place on the ladder.