Luke Hodge has led Hawthorn to a convincing 70-point win over an injury-depleted Western Bulldogs side in Launceston.

The Hawks’ skipper put in a masterful performance, with 44 possessions and two goals in the 19.13 (127) to 8.9 (57) win, with Jarryd Roughead also a key contributor up forward with seven goals.

The Bulldogs suffered a heavy injury toll in their first loss of the season.

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Matthew Boyd (calf) and Marcus Bontempelli (calf) dropped out of the side before the match, but then Luke Beveridge had to contend with the losses of Dale Morris (pectoral) and Mitch Wallis (back).

Morris was subbed out, but the Dogs were one player down on the bench when Wallis couldn’t return after copping a heavy knock in the first term.

The Bulldogs had first use of a stiff breeze, but still trailed by two points at the first break. Hawthorn put it to better use in the second with Roughead adding three goals as the Hawks sprinted away to lead by 35 points at halftime.

With the wind at their backs once again in the third quarter, the Dogs were unable to make any inroads into the margin, which blew out in the final term when the Hawks booted five goals to none.

Alastair Clarkson acknowledged the part that injuries played in the contest, but was still pleased with the way the Hawks responded after last week’s loss to Essendon.

“We just needed to be sure that we bounced back from our loss last week and put in place some of the things that we know that we can do well,” Clarkson said.

“It was pretty tough conditions. There was a fair breeze to one end, so we were really pleased with our start. To have as many inside 50s as we did against a stiff breeze in the first quarter and actually win on the scoreboard was really pleasing.

“We weren’t particularly pleased with converting all our chances, but it wasn’t a day when it was going to be that way.

“To end up with a significant victory like we did was really pleasing.”

Luke Dahlhaus (28 possessions) worked hard for the Bulldogs, with Robert Murphy also important with 24 touches.

Hawthorn had contributors across every line with Jordan Lewis (41) and Isaac Smith (36) prominent. Beveridge lamented the early casualties, which he said forced him to throw out the playbook and limited his options in trying to curb the influence of Hodge.

“We just couldn’t do it,” Beveridge replied when asked if had thought about sending a player to shadow the Hawthorn playmaker.

“We were too busy trying to keep energy around the contest and to take time out and run with Luke, we spoke about it throughout the course of the day, but it was almost happy birthday today.

“But he’s such a great player and such a great leader and he showed his qualities today.”

-AAP