AFTER what we've seen in the past four weeks, it's hard to believe Hawthorn has had better Julys than the one it is experiencing this season.

But it has.

Just three seasons ago the Hawks scored 627 points in four games during July, conceding just 252 points as they went on a scoring rampage.

In that 2012 July, they kicked 93 goals in a whirlwind four weeks.

In doing so they lifted their percentage from 152.65 to 160.09 as they averaged 156.75 points a game.

They kicked 654 points in July 1977, but that was over five games at an average of 130 points a game (and they lost their first game of the month).

So far in four games this July (named big boy month by Tigers' coach Damien Hardwick), the Hawks have scored 535 points (average 133.75 a game) and conceded 226 points, with Friday night's clash against Richmond their last game for the month.

WATCH: Hawthorn destroys Carlton

So even in this hot July, the Hawks still need to score 120 points against Richmond to register their highest point tally for the middle month of the season in their history.

If they can defeat the Tigers in that game, they will remain unbeaten in July for the 11th time in their history.

Click here for more of Peter Ryan's 'Numbers Game'

Of course, that means nothing until you realise that five of the other 10 seasons (1961, 1971, 1983, 1989 and 1991) were premiership years and the Hawks were runners-up in three other seasons (1975, 1985, 1987 and 2012) when they went through July undefeated.

It was only in 1974 that they were undefeated in July but missed out on a spot in the Grand Final - the Hawks finished third. They then played in three of the next four between 1975 and 1978.

The Hawks' efficiency has been incredible this July.

They lead the competition for scores once inside 50, ticking the scoreboard over an incredible 56.6 per cent of the time they have gone inside 50 since round 14.

They have kicked a goal 37.1 per cent of the time they have gone inside 50 in that time to be ranked second in the AFL.

Hawthorn's scoring power is coming from intercepts, with its points differential from intercepts at +250 (No.1 in the AFL) and from clearances +53 (No.3 in the AFL).

During rounds 14-17 last year, the Hawks kicked 45 per cent of their goals from set shots but during this year's brown and golden run, they have kicked 61 per cent of their goals from set shots.

Both Luke Breust and Jack Gunston have kicked 12 goals each and Cyril Rioli has kicked 10 during July, with 19 players kicking at least one goal for the Hawks this month.

In 2012, that same duo kicked 12 and 11 goals respectively, Rioli kicked seven and Jarryd Roughead kicked 14. Of course, 'Buddy' played just one game during that stretch in 2012 and kicked four. 

If they had not considered what life post-Buddy might be like before, then that July period three years ago would have reassured them life would go on.

They could score without him, and score heavily too.

Right now, the scoring is not what has led to them being premiership favourites. 

It's the fact two of their July opponents included two potential top-four teams, Fremantle and the Sydney Swans. 

But breaking July records is not going to interest this breed of Hawk.

It's all about the three-peat possible in September. 

HAWKS HOT IN JULY

POINTSYEARGAMESAVERAGE
65419775130.8
62720124156.75
61319725122.6
57419894143.5
53520154*133.75

* Still to play Richmond on Friday night