AFTER defeating Fremantle by 58 points on Friday night, it comes as no surprise Hawthorn players dominated the voting in the AFLCA DHA Champion Player of the Year award.
The Hawks dominated Fremantle for the first three quarters before the Dockers hit back in the final term to add some respectability to the scoreboard after falling behind by as much as 70 points in the Grand Final re-match.
Although tagged by Ryan Crowley, Sam Mitchell enjoyed a night out at the MCG and was deemed the best player on the ground by Alastair Clarkson and Ross Lyon, receiving nine of a maximum 10 votes.
After missing the Round 2 victory over Essendon with injury, Mitchell made his return felt on Friday night with a brilliant 36 disposal effort along with five clearances, six tackles and three inside 50s.
He also delivered each possession with typical class, running at 75 per cent efficiency.
Luke Breust, Jordan Lewis and Isaac Smith were also viewed among the best, in fact the coaches couldn’t split them, each receiving five votes.
Breust, the AFL’s equal leading goal kicking to Round 3 was outstanding up forward and in the midfield, booting three goals, setting up another two and gathering 24 disposals.
Lewis was the leading disposal getter on the ground with 37 in a welcome return to form following a disappointing Round 2 performance.
A tough in-and-under midfielder, Lewis’ role in the victory was critical as he was able to shark the hit outs of Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands and was the premium clearance player on the ground with 10.
Dashing wingman Smith was also outstanding on the night, with his outside run slicing Fremantle apart.
His speed and run and carry through the middle and on the wing ensured the Hawks were never caught in the Fremantle pressure but rather caught the Docker defence off-guard because of his line-breaking run.
He also hurt the Dockers on the scoreboard, booting three goals for the night including two in quick succession in the opening five minutes of the second quarter to put the Hawks in front by seven goals.
He finished the game with 30 disposals at 80.3 per cent efficiency, 12 marks and four inside 50s.
For the second week running Cyril Rioli has received votes from the coaches, this time awarded four for his role in the big win.
With his explosive pace, pressure and finishing skills, Rioli was again one of Hawthorn’s best with 20 disposals and two goals but it is more his work without ball in hand that underlines his importance to the Hawks.
His pressure forward of centre was crucial in keeping the ball in Hawthorn’s forward half.
After gathering 30 disposals for the first time in his career, Bradley Hill also earned votes, awarded two.
Along with Smith, Hill’s run through the midfield was exceptional as was his ability to handle the ball cleanly at ground level.
He finished the game with 30 touches, nine marks, five inside 50s and a goal.
The votes: Hawthorn vs Fremantle
9 Mitchell (Haw)
5 Breust (Haw)
5 Lewis (Haw)
5 Smith (Haw)
4 Rioli (Haw)
2 Hill (Haw)
Leaderboard at Round 3
24 Joel Selwood (Geelong)
20 Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)
20 Brendon Goddard (Essendon)
19 Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
17 Adam Treloar (GWS)
16 Callan Ward (GWS)
13 Luke Breust (Hawthorn)
13 Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
13 Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
13 Brent Harvey (North Melbourne)
13 Steve Johnson (Geelong)
13 Matthew Priddis (West Coast)
13 Matthew Rosa (West Coast)
