Collingwood's AFL premiership defence is building steam after they withstood a late Hawthorn fightback in a tense five-point win to complete Gather Round.

Hawks recruit Jack Ginnivan kicked two goals — and won a couple of free kicks — but the Magpies had the last laugh against their departed flag forward in an 11.11 (77) to 11.6 (72) victory at Adelaide Oval on Sunday evening.

There was a downside for Craig McRae's side, who lost veteran Scott Pendlebury to damaged ribs after a collision with Hawthorn's Josh Weddle.

But the manner of Collingwood's second victory of the season after three straight losses will have pleased McRae.

The Magpies' pressure was elite in the first half when they set up their victory before they held firm in the nerve-wracking final stages.

Tom Mitchell (30 disposals, seven clearances), Nick Daicos (26, three), Josh Daicos (30, two) and Jordan De Goey (31, six) shone in the midfield while Lachie Schultz and Brody Mihocek kicked two goals apiece.

Blake Hardwick kicked a game-high four majors for Hawthorn — all in the second half — and Dylan Moore finished with three.

Moore snared the final two goals of the game to lift the Hawks back within a kick but they couldn't find a go-ahead goal.

Jai Newcombe had 26 disposals and a career-high 10 clearances, with Karl Amon (27 touches), Jarman Impey (23) and skipper James Sicily (22, 10 intercepts) also busy.

AAP