Reigning premiers Richmond have stormed past Hawthorn in the opening AFL qualifying final, downing the Hawks by 31 points at the MCG.

The Tigers led by 14 points after a fiercely-contested first half on Thursday night but ran away with the game in the third term on the way to a 13.17 (95) to 9.10 (64) victory.

Brownlow Medallist Dustin Martin starred in his 200th game, gathering 29 disposals and kicking an incredible goal in the second quarter.