Tom Mitchell has broken the record for the most disposals in a home and away season, eclipsing the previous record of 748 set by Collingwood’s Wayne Richardson in 1971.

The prolific midfielder amassed a further 44 touches (20 contested) on Saturday night, taking his season tally to 749, and was arguably the best on ground for the losing side. He also took four marks, laid seven tackles and finished with 458 metres gained.

The performance brings Mitchell’s season average to an astonishing 35.95, helped by a record breaking 50-touch performance against Collingwood in Round 9.

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Mitchell has dropped below the 30-disposal mark only twice this season – Round 3 against Gold Coast (27) and Round 19 versus Sydney (26). 

Hawthorn’s record for most disposals in an entire season is 765 set by Terry Wallace in 1983. Wallace played 25 matches (including three finals) and averaged a touch over 30.5 disposals a game. Mitchell needs just 16 disposals in Round 23 to surpass this number – slim pickings by his lofty standards. If he achieves this, he will have done so having played three less games and averaging five extra disposals per match.