Hawthorn won the 2013 AFL premiership by defeating Fremantle in the Grand Final.
The deciding match was played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 28 September 2013. Hawthorn won 11.11 (77) to Fremantle’s 8.14 (62), securing its 11th VFL/AFL premiership. The result was Hawthorn’s second consecutive Grand Final victory after the club had lost the 2012 decider to Sydney.
Brian Lake won the Norm Smith Medal for his defensive performance. He became the first full-back to receive the award. Hawthorn’s forward Lance Franklin kicked three goals, while captain Luke Hodge led the team through a physically demanding contest.
Fremantle was appearing in its first AFL Grand Final. The Dockers had won the 2013 preliminary final against Sydney, but Hawthorn’s organised defence and stronger finishing prevented Fremantle from claiming its first premiership.