TOM Mitchell continues to soar in his first season as a Hawk, with the prolific midfielder now holding a monumental statistical record.
Among those to have played at least 50 games since weekly statistics were first recorded in 1965, Mitchell now boasts the highest disposal average.
The former Swan's career average has rocketed to 26.96, edging past Brisbane Lions counterpart Tom Rockliff (26.93).
Admittedly it's a fluid situation, and Mitchell could also come under immediate threat from the likes of Collingwood star and fellow 24-year-old Adam Treloar (26.86) and Swans skipper Josh Kennedy (26.50).
But given his relative youth, Mitchell's career is expected to remain on the upswing for some time to come.
Highest disposals average - 1965-2017
| Average | Player | Career Span | Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26.96 | Tom Mitchell (Haw/Syd) | 2013- | 79 |
| 26.93 | Tom Rockliff (BL) | 2009- | 146 |
| 26.88 | Greg Williams (Geel/Syd/Carl) | 1984-1997 | 250 |
| 26.86 | Adam Treloar (GWS/Coll) | 2012- | 114 |
| 26.85 | Dane Swan (Coll) | 2003-2016 | 258 |
| 26.62 | Bob Skilton (SM) | 1956-1971 | 98 |
| 26.50 | Josh Kennedy (Syd) | 2008- | 197 |
| 26.43 | Scott Pendlebury (Coll) | 2006- | 250 |
| 26.41 | Sam Mitchell (Haw/WC) | 2002- | 350 |
| 26.24 | Matt Priddis (WC) | 2006- | 232 |
* source: AFL Tables
In a mind-boggling debut year in the brown and gold, the left-footer has already amassed 496 possessions at an average of 35.43 – well clear of his nearest rival, Gold Coast champion Gary Ablett (32.33).
If he maintains this astronomical rate, Mitchell will set a new home-and-away record of 779 disposals. The current record is 748, by Collingwood star Wayne Richardson in 1971.
In the round nine loss to Collingwood, Mitchell also accumulated a club-record 50 possessions – equal-fifth overall in the past 52 years.
He is yet to produce a sub-par performance this year, and has dropped below 30 disposals just once – and that was a 27-touch effort back in round three against Gold Coast.
And Mitchell – who would be both a runaway leader in Hawthorn's club award and easily the recruit of the year to date – has done it under great pressure to perform after the Hawks released premiership midfielders Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis; and with limited help from boom recruit Jaeger O'Meara.
Mitchell's father Barry – the former Sydney, Collingwood and Carlton midfielder – was a fine player who averaged 24.1 touches and more than a goal a game over 221 appearances, but his son might enjoy a better career.
Others to break records this season include Sam Mitchell (clearances) and Eagles teammate Matt Priddis (tackles), while Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands (hitouts) and St Kilda champ Nick Riewoldt (contested marks) were already chart-toppers.
Sam Mitchell is also within 58 of Bulldogs great Scott West's all-time handball record, while Gold Coast champ Gary Ablett needs just 46 more contested possessions to pass the mark set by Brisbane Lions great Simon Black.
