In brief
AFL matches: 22
Disposals per game: 22.8
Kicks per game: 14.5
Marks per game: 5.5
Goals: 4
Review
Grant Birchall is as reliable as they come.
He’s played 216 games – having notched up his 200th game in Round 7 this year – been All-Australian and won four premierships.
Yet somehow he still manages to fly under the radar.
After missing seven games in 2013, he played all 25 in 2014, and 22 out of a possible 26 in 2015.
The agile defender was again a consistent contributor for the Hawks this year, averaging 22.8 disposals per game.
Birchall's rebound off half back and ability to drive the Hawks into attack has been an important component of the team's success.
The 27-year-old has been a permanent feature of the Hawthorn backline from the time he was selected with the 14th pick in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft.
He made his debut in the opening round of 2006, against Fremantle at Aurora Stadium in Launceston, an occasion made even more special by the fact he hails from Devonport.
He was again at his dependable best in Hawthorn’s 46-point win against the West Coast Eagles in the 2015 grand final.
With 22 disposals – 17 of them kicks, almost 82% of them effective – Birchall capped off another successful season for both himself and the Hawks with a trademark performance across half back.
Now after 10 seasons of AFL football, Birchall boasts four premiership medals, something he never dreamt possible.
“Not four,” he said.
“All I wanted to do was just play an AFL game.
“To play in four premierships is beyond my wildest dreams, I’m really proud, lucky and fortunate to be part of such a special group.
“It’s been a good journey so far… hopefully there’s a little bit more left.”
GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan says...
“I think he has now equaled the record for the most AFL/VFL premierships ever won by a bloke from Tasmania, and that’s no mean feat because there have been some great players to come out of Tasmania,” said Fagan.
“Birch is just so reliable – week-in, week-out - you know what you’re going to get out of him.
“He’s a highly respected player in the AFL ranks for his ability to win contests and rebound the ball off half back.
“He’s been a really important spirit player for our footy club. When he’s up and about and playing his most aggressive footy, usually so are the Hawks.”
In the news
NEWS: What makes Grant Birchall tick?
VIDEO: Ask a Hawk: Birchall
NEWS: Birchall takes the cups to Tassie
