BRADLEY Hill has underlined his growing importance to the Hawthorn midfield with the first 30-possession haul of his career.
Hill, 20, was one of the Hawks' best players in their 58-point demolition of Fremantle, helping to dismantle the Dockers' on-ball division with his pace and silky foot skills.
The West Australian also pumped the ball inside the Hawks' forward 50 an equal team-high five times and got in on the Hawthorn goalfest in the dying stages of the game.
It was some goal.
Swooping on the crumbs of a marking contest between teammate David Hale and Docker defender Luke McPharlin, Hill picked the ball off the ground with one hand, blew past two Dockers defenders and then snapped truly on his right foot from 30m.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said after the game Hill had become a really important player for Hawthorn.
"He's a great kid, he gives us great energy on the ground and off the ground," Clarkson said.
"He's a very, very popular member of our footy club, he's been pretty important to our whole club really.
"You need to keep injecting youth into your club and give your side new vibrancy, whether you've been a successful side or not.
"He's just a ripper."
Hill said he was pleased with his performance against the Dockers but wanted to play that way consistently.
"It was a good game for me, but that's something I want to do all year," Hill said.
"I just want to keep improving and making an impact for the side."
Hill said the Hawks' win on Friday night was the first four-quarter performance they had delivered in 2014.
"The first two weeks (against the Brisbane Lions and Essendon) were a bit sloppy, but tonight our ball movement was a lot better.
"There are probably a few things we can improve, but overall today was pretty good.
"Freo were really good in their first two games, so they were always going to be a good test and we looked really good out there and obviously were able to score a fair bit against them.
"They're not an easy side to score against, so that's a good sign."
Hill praised David Hale and Jonathon Ceglar's ability to curb Freo star Aaron Sandilands' influence in the ruck.
But he said the midfield had also tried to pitch in, by flying third-man up against Sandilands at ruck contests wherever possible and, when on the ground, trying to shark his hitouts.
As pleasing as Friday night's big win was for him, Hill was mindful his elder brother Stephen had endured a far tougher night as part of the Freo midfield.
"It's good to get out there against him, but we don't really say much until after the game," Hill said.
"Obviously they had the loss, so he's a bit upset, but it's always good to play against him."