Mitchell a star in win

TOM Mitchell has boosted his Brownlow Medal hopes with a starring role in Hawthorn’s 59point thrashing of Fremantle at Optus Stadium yesterday.

Mitchell tallied 42 possessions, seven clearances and two goals as the Hawks prevailed 17.10 (112) to 7.11 (53) in front of a crowd of 41,845.

Hawks forward Luke Breust (four goals), Jaeger O’Meara (33 disposals, one goal) and veteran Shaun Burgoyne (20 disposals, seven clearances) were also crucial in the win.

Fremantle were held goalless from the 11-minute mark of the first term until the 22minute mark of the third quarter, allowing the Hawks to boot eight unanswered goals and build a 50-point lead.

The win lifted Hawthorn (11-7) into seventh spot on the ladder.

But with teams likely to need at least 13 wins to make this year’s finals series, the Hawks still have some work to do, especially with tricky games against Essendon, Geelong and Sydney (SCG) in their run home.