Hawthorn livewire Nick Watson kicked an equal-career best five goals to help keep the Hawks firmly in the hunt for a top two spot with a 16-point win over a plucky North Melbourne. 

The Hawks trailed by one point heading into the final quarter in Launceston on Saturday against an opposition needing a victory to boost their wildcard hopes. 

But after being pushed all the way by the Kangaroos, the Hawks finished strongly to secure the 14.15 (99) to 12.11 (83) victory.

Mabior Chol gave his side crucial breathing-space late. With his side ahead by 11 points and less than six minutes on the clock, Chol earned a free kick with a tackle and then nailed a goal from about 50m out near the boundary line. 

North cut the margin to 10 points with less than three minutes left thanks to Harry Sheezel but were left to rue several key misses in the fourth quarter. 

Momentum swung wildly between the sides, with an extraordinary 12 lead changes throughout the game.

Jai Newcombe was heavily involved and picked up a game-high 34 disposals, plus 12 clearances and one goal assist. 

The Hawks remain in the hunt for a top-two spot, sitting just half a game behind second-placed Sydney with three matches remaining including a blockbuster against reigning premiers Brisbane on Friday.

The loss, the Roos' fifth on the bounce, leaves their season teetering, sitting one game and significant percentage adrift of the wildcard spots.

HAWKS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Hawthorn nabbed the opening goal of the game through Will Day before the Kangaroos got four straight for a 26-9 lead at the first break.

Kangaroos skipper Nick Larkey, who has struggled for accuracy in recent times, produced a shocking first shot but nailed his second from off-centre, before teammate Zac Banch squeezed one through from the goalsquare in the last minute of the first quarter to give his side a boost. 

Hawthorn came to life early in the second with Watson kicking three goals in a row, including two in 60 seconds.

The lead then changed hands multiple times before a behind after the half-time buzzer to Chol levelled the scores at 46-46. 

Watson fired again with two goals early in the third before a major to Chol broke the run of tit-for-tat scores as Hawthorn threatened to pull away. 

But the Kangaroos rallied and Larkey's second gave his side a 69-68 lead heading into the final quarter.

Comben swaps the skies for the seas
North defender Charlie Comben took the scenic route to the Apple Isle, embarking on a 14-hour journey aboard the Spirit of Tasmania to reach Saturday's clash. Comben was sent to hospital last weekend after coughing up blood following a heavy collision against St Kilda but was cleared to play this week. But as a precaution, doctors advised the 25-year-old against flying in the short term so instead, Comben boarded the ferry in Geelong, crossed Bass Strait to Devonport and completed the final leg with a one-hour drive to Launceston to link up with his teammates ahead of the game.

HAWTHORN               1.3   6.10   9.14   14.15 (99)
NORTH MELBOURNE   4.2   7.4   10.9   12.11 (83)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Watson 5, Gunston 2, Chol 2, Day, Ward, Battle, Impey, Morrison
North Melbourne: Trembath 3, Larkey 2, Curtis 2, Sheezel 2, Banch, McKercher, Stephens

BEST
Hawthorn: Newcombe, Impey, Watson, Mackenzie, Ward, Chol
North Melbourne: Sheezel, Parker, Trembath, Davies-Uniacke, Larkey, Daniel

INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil

Crowd: TBC at UTAS Stadium