Hawthorn great Sam Mitchell has added another honour to his playing and coaching career by being inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday night.
Mitchell joins a coveted list of football icons among the Hall of Fame at the earliest possible opportunity having only retired at the end of 2017.
Representing the brown and gold 307 times across an illustrious 15-year journey, the midfield maestro’s football CV is arguably among the league’s greatest of all time.
Selected by the Hawks with Pick 36 in the 2001 national draft, Mitchell was destined to reach lofty heights after taking out the 2003 Rising Star award.
Captaining the Hawks to a famous grand final win in 2008, Mitchell would also go on to play an instrumental hand in the club’s historic three-peat in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Along with three All-Australian jackets, Mitchell was awarded football’s highest individual accolade in 2012 when he became a Brownlow Medallist.
His five Peter Crimmins Medals sits only second in Hawthorn history behind AFL Legend Leigh Matthews.
Hawthorn President Andy Gowers reflected on Mitchell’s phenomenal record.
“Sam’s contribution to our club and our league is extraordinary, he thoroughly deserves every accolade that comes his way,” Gowers said.
“Blessed with incredible skill and football nous, there was none more dedicated than Sam Mitchell.
“Sam really personified the word resilience – having built his career on an incredible work ethic and commitment to his craft.
“Along with his football prowess, Sam has provided exceptional leadership for our club to this very day.
“The entire Hawthorn family congratulates Sam, his wife Lyndall and their children Smith, Emmerson and Scarlett on his induction to the Australian Football Hall of Fame.”
Sam Mitchell’s Hall of Fame Record:
- 329 games for Hawthorn and West Coast, 71 goals
- 2008 (captain), 2013, 2014, 2015 Premierships
- 2012 Brownlow Medal
- 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016 Best and Fairest
- 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015 Top Three Best and Fairest
- 2011, 2013, 2015 All Australian
- 2008-10 Hawthorn Captain
- 2003 Rising Star
