Geelong has handed Hawthorn its worst start to a season in nearly 20 years, staying unbeaten with a convincing 86-point win over the listless Hawks.

In terms of the classic MCG Easter Monday clashes between the sides over the past decade, the 20.14 (134) to 6.12 (48) result won't register.

But the significance of the result won't be lost, with Geelong joining Richmond and Adelaide as the only unbeaten teams after four rounds and Hawthorn remaining lumped at the bottom of the ladder after back-to-back thrashings.

The Cats, a week after their 20.6 return against a wasteful Melbourne, were early victims to the yips which kept their rivals in the game longer than otherwise would have been the case.

But their 11-goal straight final term showed the struggling Hawks no mercy to leave Alastair Clarkson's side 0-4 for the first time since 1998.

Steven Motlop (33 disposals, three goals), Mitch Duncan (32, two goals) and Patrick Dangerfield (27 disposals) were all valuable contributors for the Cats, while Lachie Henderson was dominant in defence.

Dangerfield was sore throughout the contest after an early bump left him ginger, but his contested work remained solid throughout the afternoon.

CATS v HAWKS: Round 4, 2017

HAWTHORN      2.0   2.6    4.10   6.12   (48)                  
GEELONG          2.7   5.12      9.14   20.14   (134)          

GOALS
Hawthorn: Gunston 2, Sicily 2, Puopolo, Smith
Geelong: Hawkins 4, Motlop 3, Menzel 3, Duncan 2, Parsons 2, Cockatoo, Henderson, Stewart, Murdoch, Thurlow, Menegola

BEST 
Hawthorn: Sicily, Hodge, Mitchell, Smith, Brand
Geelong: Duncan, Henderson, Selwood, Motlop, Menegola, Menzel

INJURIES 
Hawthorn: Gibson (cut head)
Geelong: Ruggles (concussion), Dangerfield (corked hip)

Reports: Menegola for rough conduct on Hodge. Parsons for rough conduct on Hodge.

Umpires: Donlon, Stephens, Chamberlein

Official crowd: 62,360 at the MCG