HAWTHORN stars Sam Mitchell and Jarryd Roughead have been named in the All Australian team, just reward for their outstanding seasons.
Interestingly, it is just the second time Mitchell has been named All Australian, while it is the first time Roughead has achieved the honour despite both enjoying illustrious careers in which they have been premiership players and much respected among the football community.
Mitchell, a four time Hawthorn best and fairest winner has enjoyed another stellar season for the minor premiers, albeit in a different role at times.
A dynamic and explosive midfielder who is one of the hardest players in the game to stop, Mitchell has played across half back this season with stints in the middle.
It has been a luxury for the Hawks to use the star onballer in defence, with running defender Grant Birchall and Matt Suckling spending extended periods on the sidelines.
Mitchell still has managed to average 28.3 disposals in season 2013 – the seventh best in the AFL in 21 games during the home and away season.
He has also averaged 4.2 clearances, 3.38 inside 50s, 3.1 tackles and 2.9 rebound 50s in 21 games this year.
He was named on the half backline of the All Australian team.
Roughead arguably has had a career-best season in 2013, winning the Coleman Medal as the AFL’s leading goal kicker but also enjoying stints in the midfield and ruck.
One of the game’s most versatile players, Roughead is unique in that he can have an impact in a variety of positions, something almost unseen in the AFL given he is a power forward of 193cm and 100kgs.
The Hawks forward kicked 68 goals in 22 matches during the home and away season and finished two goals clear of Collingwood’s Travis Cloke in the race for the Coleman.
He averaged 3.09 goals per game, 16.3 disposals and 4.6 marks per game but illustrating his versatility, also averaged 2.4 clearances.
It is almost impossible to believe that just two years ago he ruptured his Achilles tendon, given the way in which he has returned and to the high level at which he has played.
He has been selected in the forward pocket of the All Australian team.
Mitchell and Roughead were among five Hawthorn players to win nominations in the squad of 40 that was announced on 3 September, with Captain Luke Hodge, defender Josh Gibson and forward Lance Franklin all nominated but missing out on selection in the final side.
2013 All Australian team
B: Corey Enright (Geel), Scott Thompson (NM), Michael Johnson (Freo)
HB: Jarrad McVeigh (Syd), Harry Taylor (Geel), Sam Mitchell (Haw)
C: Ryan Griffen (WB), Joel Selwood (Geel, capt), Scott Pendlebury (Coll)
HF: Patrick Dangerfield (Adel), Travis Cloke (Coll), Kieren Jack (Syd)
F: Jarryd Roughead (Haw), Jeremy Cameron (GWS), Chad Wingard (PA)
Ruck: Will Minson (WB), Dane Swan (Coll), Gary Ablett (GC, v-capt)
Int: Travis Boak (PA), Daniel Hannebery (Syd), Andrew Mackie (Geel), Jobe Watson (Ess)
