Collingwood returned to the AFL winners list against an inept Hawthorn side, with the luckless Jon Patton making a miserable return to his old home ground.

Coming off consecutive losses, and dealing with several off-field distractions, the Magpies kicked the first three goals and dominated a horribly out-of-sorts Hawthorn to win 8.11 (59) to 3.9 (27) at Giants Stadium in Sydney.

In recent weeks, Collingwood has had players suspended for breaching COVID-19 protocols, launched an internal investigation into racism allegations made by former player Heritier Lumumba, and had star Jordan de Goey charged with indecent assault.

The Hawks scored just 2.1 in the first half and had only 14 points by three-quarter time.

It was the lowest score Hawthorn has kicked in coach Alastair Clarkson's lengthy tenure as coach, which stretches back to 2005.

The win lifted Collingwood six places to fourth, while Hawthorn remain outside the top eight.

Brody Mihocek bagged a four-goal haul for the eighth time in his career as the Magpies moved the ball better than they have managed in recent weeks, especially in the first half.

Former Giant Patton, in his first match back at the ground he called home for eight seasons, limped off midway through the first quarter.

Key forward Patton, whose career has frequently been stalled by knee problems including three reconstructions, suffered his latest setback while sliding to take a low mark.

He was visibly upset and distraught on the bench, sparking fears he may face another lengthy stint on the sideline.

The Hawks, though, said it was a hamstring injury and Patton may miss just a week or two.

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Back on the ground where they lost to GWS last week, the Hawks moved the ball poorly as they slumped to successive defeats for the first time this season.

The Hawks were also hurt by having midfield prime mover Tom Mitchell off the ground a couple of times in the first half to have a head wound cleaned up.

The Magpies, who have not been outscored in any opening quarter this season, made another fast start with their tall forwards prominent.

Mihocek booted two goals and Mason Cox and debutant Will Kelly one each.

Kelly, whose father Craig played alongside Magpies coach Nathan Buckley, goaled with his first kick but appeared to suffer a hand injury late in the match.

The Hawks did not win enough ball and failed to make the most of the possession they did get, managing a paltry 11 inside-50 entries to half-time.

AAP/ABC