Sam Mitchell says his side’s fast start was instrumental in leading it to its 46-point win against North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena on Saturday.

“We made the most of our chances in the first part of the game which is always important,” Mitchell said post-game. 

“We kicked eight goals in the first quarter, so it was really hard for them to come back from that point.

“We had a bit of a work rate focus heading in, we knew it was going to be a contested game.

“But for the most part I thought the midfield battle was won by us which was pleasing.”

Playing his first match following two weeks off after the sudden death of his father Ray, three-time premiership star Jack Gunston was a shining light in the victory.

“I was really proud of Jack, it was a game where I was just happy for him to run out there and be amongst it,” Mitchell said. 

“I didn’t really care what we got, but he was our most potent forward and looked dangerous everywhere he went.

“Inside his own head would’ve been a ginormous battle, but he was able to win that and then win the battle on the outside as well.”

Hear what Mitchell had to say following the win.