Hawthorn has boosted their hopes of a top eight finish after they defeated Fremantle by 59-points at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

The Hawks got off to a very quick start with a Ryan Schoenmakers goal within seconds, then a Paul Puopolo goal to follow. Fremantle answered back to kick three goals in the first quarter, but were left high and dry until David Mundy kicked a goal late in the third quarter.  The Hawks stayed in control for their 17.10 (112) to  7.11 (53) win.

Young Docker Andrew Brayshaw was influential for his side with 24 touches, four tackles and a goal.

Brownlow favourite Tom Mitchell was in form again with his 42 disposals and two goals, but says he’s not too concerned about that.

Hear how the game played out…

“I don’t pay a lot of attention to that stuff, I just try and work as hard as hard as I can and my running is probably something that’s improved throughout my journey and my career so far. Work rate is something that’s required and I just try and bring that every week,” Tom Mitchell told 6PR.

“We’re just a bit inconsistant about how we move the ball and we just need to get it back.”
“There’s no lack of confidence of our forwards,” Alex Pearce told 6PR.

“We never gave up, I thought we fought to the end. Some of the things, even at three quarter time that we said to make Hawthorn defend better, we did that and we did look more of an accomplished AFL team,” Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said after the game.

“We’re in the bracket of sides where we could finish as high as top four, or as low as not making it at all,” Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said after the game.

“Obviously they’re playing for a spot in the finals… we’re confident, our home form has been pretty strong.. another good challenge for our young group who are up against a side who’s aiming to be there at the pointy end of September,” David Hale told 6PR before the game.

“We expect a tag and he’ll work through it and hopefully he can get his hands on the ball,” Hawthorn Assistant Coach Brett Ratten said about Brownlow favourite Tom Mitchell.