Sam Mitchell says he is proud of the growth within his young side following its 25-point win over West Coast at the MCG on Sunday.

Mitchell highlighted the efforts of first-year players Josh Ward and James Blanck in his post-game press conference.

Ward had a breakout game with 34 disposals, while Blanck managed to keep Eagles star forward Josh Kennedy to two goals.

“I’m really happy for Wardy, he has done a lot of work and it hadn’t quite clicked for him,” Mitchell said.

“But we knew with the talent level that he has that it was coming, it was just about trying to give him the opportunity to play in that way, so I’m really glad he was able to have that performance today.

“Then there’s Blankcy who was playing as a key defender on one of the greatest forwards in Kennedy.

“He would’ve learnt an enormous amount - he got outpointed a couple of times - but he held his own for the most part.”

Hawthorn led for most of the match, but West Coast didn’t give up without a fight, narrowing the gap to just eight points late in the third term.  

Mitchell acknowledged that the game was frustrating at times. 

“It probably wasn’t the prettiest game to watch, but it’s very pleasing that we can win following a rough couple of weeks with Paul Dear and Jack Gunston’s father Ray passing away,” Mitchell said.

“We’ve had a couple of things off-field, but I think having some joy in a victory was important for our group.”

Hear more from Mitchell post-game press conference below.