SIX goals to one in the third quarter set up a victory for Hawthorn over Melbourne in their NAB Challenge Cup at Aurora Stadium last night.

The Hawks trailed by 16 points at quarter-time and by 13 at half-time but a four-goal unanswered burst at the start of the second half set up the 15.14 (104) to 12.3 (75) win.

Hawthorn dominated the second half, exerting more pressure around the contests as goals dried up for the Demons, who had been on fire early.

The Hawks kicked nine goals to five after half-time to wrest control of the contest.

Liam Schiels kicked three for the Hawks, all in the second half, to be their best forward and one of their best players. ''We were a bit tardy in the first half and Melbourne jumped us in the first quarter but after half-time we were really pleased with the effort and the fizz went out of the game a little bit,'' Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said.

''We were really pleased to get the result in the end.''

The Hawks forward line missed star Buddy Franklin, who was a late pre-match withdrawal after being rested by the Hawks.

Jarryd Roughead, who kicked one goal, did not return after half-time after copping a heavy knock in a marking contest in the opening quarter.

Addam Maric booted three goals to be Melbourne's best player.