Hawthorn at near full-strength are tough opposition for any AFL team, let alone a young St Kilda team missing several key players.

The two-time defending premiers capped their pre-season with a 106-point demolition of the Saints on Thursday night at Etihad Stadium.

Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis were best afield with 33 disposals apiece as the Hawks won 0.22.13 (145) to 1.4.6 (39).

By three-quarter time, the Hawks had kicked 20.10 – the highest score of this year’s NAB Challenge.

The Saints took it up to Hawthorn early, but were no match for a team missing only four players from last year’s premiership 22.

Hawthorn led by 32 points at quarter-time and the Saints did not kick their first goal until Mav Weller booted accurately in the 13th minute of the second term.

Adding to a tough night, St Kilda defender Nathan Wright was forced off with a corked thigh after a heavy collision with Hawks ruckman Ben McEvoy.

Mitchell, acting captain Isaac Smith, usual skipper Luke Hodge and Lewis shone as the Hawks dismantled a team widely tipped to finish bottom again.

Forwards Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust and Jack Gunston kicked three goals apiece.

Saints midfielder Jack Steven had 33 disposals and young gun Luke Dunstan had an invaluable education as he went head-to-head with Hodge.

St Kilda were missing first-choice players such as captain Nick Riewoldt, Jarryn Geary, Jack Billings and David Armitage.