Cyril Rioli kicked six goals as Hawthorn landed another blow in the fight for an AFL top-two berth with a classy 36-point win over Geelong at the MCG.

The Cats trailed by 29 points at three-quarter time and launched a late challenge but kicked the first four points of the final term before Luke Hodge kicked his fourth goal to seal the 19.7 (121) to 12.13 (85) win.

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The enthralling encounter had all of the hallmarks of one of the great rivalries of the modern era but the Hawks played their best football for longer, while the Cats suffered some costly lapses.

With his typical mix of efficiency and flair, Rioli had four goals from just six kicks midway through the third term before adding another two in the last quarter.

Hawthorn had a greater spread of contributors, with Hodge important with 24 possessions, while Sam Mitchell (28 disposals), Liam Shiels (25) and Jordan Lewis (25) were also influential.

Steve Johnson provided an early highlight in his 250th AFL game with his side’s first goal from deep in the pocket but the Cats were left floundering in the face of a withering burst from the Hawks.

Hodge kicked three first-quarter goals, including a stunner from the boundary line, as Hawthorn sprinted out to a 31-point lead.

The Hawks appeared in ominous touch but, as has so often been the case when these sides meet, there were more twists in the tale to come.

Johnson was outstanding as Geelong lifted in the second term, with Corey Enright and Cam Guthrie important as the Cats slashed the margin to 15 points at halftime.

Darcy Lang made it nine points midway through the third quarter but, once again, the Hawks found another gear and the Cats couldn’t go with them as the margin blew out to 29 points.

The Hawks absorbed early pressure in the last quarter as Geelong challenged but Rioli caused the turnover that allowed Hodge to snuff out the resistance as his side notched its fourth win in a row against the Cats.

Elsewhere, Brisbane sent Carlton crashing to the bottom of the ladder with a 64-point win over the Blues at the Gabba.

The Lions picked up just their third win of the season, and second against Carlton, with the 20.11 (131) to 9.13 (67) victory.

The win lifts the Lions above the Blues on percentage as both clubs try to avoid the wooden spoon.

Lions young gun Jonathan Freeman booted three goals in just his third appearance this season while Allen Christensen also had three majors.

Dayne Zorko, Luke McGuane, Pearce Hanley and 50-gamer Sam Mayes each kicked two.

Former Blue Mitch Robinson was also in fighting form against his old teammates, picking up 33 disposals, a goal and a couple of big hits on his way to a tally of 15 tackles.

– AAP