Dockers dominate Hawks

Fremantle has defeated Hawthorn for the first time in their history at York Park in Launceston, humbling the Hawks by 62 points on Saturday.

The 16.12 (108) to 6.10 (46) result leaves the Dockers momentarily in the eight, with Greater Western Sydney, Richmond and West Coast all a chance to improve on their ladder position in their respective round 17 matches.

Rory Lobb kicked an equal career high four goals, including three in the opening quarter as the visitors increased their lead at every change, marking Nat Fyfe's 200th AFL game in fine style.

Fyfe was outstanding in the opening exchanges, picking up 13 disposals in the first quarter before finishing with 31 for the game.

Lobb took a number of strong pack marks early as the Dockers opened a 35-12 quarter-time lead before inflicting plenty of pain late.

Fyfe added his name to the score sheet early in the fourth quarter amid a run of six-straight Fremantle goals.

"I was wrapped for the way he performed and the way we performed in a big milestone," Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said.

"He was really strong from the start. We tried to put him forward in the last quarter and he kept on finding contests to be involved in. He enjoyed himself out there."

It was Fremantle's biggest win over Hawthorn, surpassing their 61-point victory at Subiaco Oval in 2002.

It was the Dockers first win over Hawthorn in the apple isle in the tenth meeting between the sides at York Park, having only defeated St Kilda in the infamous 'sirengate' match in 2006 at the venue.

Hawthorn kicked just two goals in the second half.

They had some promising passages but it was not the response the club was seeking after revealing the succession plan for coach Alastair Clarkson earlier this week.

The club announced Clarkson would depart at the end of 2022 and hand the reins to Sam Mitchell.

Hawthorn could be without Changkuoth Jiath for the remainder of the season after the defender suffered a likely PCL knee injury.

He will undergo scans but Clarkson said the club would take a cautious approach to his recovery with just six rounds remaining.

Hawthorn lost Jack Scrimshaw at halftime when he was medically subbed out of the match after copping an accidental whack to the head from teammate Ben McEvoy.

The Hawks remain second last with just four wins for the season and have lost three of their four matches in Tasmania this year.

Fremantle return home to host Geelong in a Thursday night blockbuster in round 18, while Hawthorn play ladder leaders Melbourne at the MCG.

IMAGE: The West Australian.