In just a few days time, the footy world will find out who has been crowned the 2018 Brownlow Medallist.
With our own Tom Mitchell one of the red hot favourites, we decided to look back over his season and determine where he is a chance of polling votes.
Here we go…
Round 1
Hawthorn 15.11 (101) def Collingwood 9.13 (67) @ the MCG
The Hawks star kicked off the season in emphatic fashion, breaking the record for the most disposals in a game, gathering a massive 54. Picking up nine clearances, Mitchell led the Hawks to a 34-point win over the Pies and should be a shoo-in for the three votes.
Round 2
Hawthorn 17.16 (118) def Geelong 18.9 (117) @ the MCG
Mitchell backed up his impressive Round 1 showing with yet another imposing display. The 25-year-old picked up 40 disposals and kicked two goals as the Hawks edged their way over the line in a one-point thriller. Will face competition from former Brownlow winners Patrick Dangerfield (31 disposals, two goals) and Gary Ablett (35 disposals, one goal) but could claim the full three votes.
Round 3
Richmond 15.12 (102) def Hawthorn 13.11 (89) @ the MCG
His third consecutive 40-plus disposal game, Mitchell was a standout against the Tigers. Picking up 12 clearances as well as a goal, the onballer is a chance to pick up the three votes despite the Hawks going down by 13 points. Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin could be a threat with a 31-disposal effort.
Round 6
Hawthorn 13.11 (89) def St Kilda 7.12 (54) @ University of Tasmania Stadium
Yet another prolific performance should put Mitchell well and truly in the frame to receive votes. While four goals and 24 disposals to Isaac Smith could pinch best-on-ground honours, Mitchell’s 45 disposals and nine clearances should earn him at least one or two.
Round 9
Brisbane 20.9 (129) def Hawthorn 11.7 (73) @ the Gabba
Racked up a further 46 possessions but had the most of his impact in the first quarter before the Lions ran over the top of the Hawks. Considering he was part of the losing side, Mitchell may only be able to sneak in for a single vote.
Round 11
Hawthorn 9.10 (64) def Port Adelaide 9.7 (61) @ University of Tasmania Stadium
Two goals and a game-high 28 touches could see the midfielder poll votes in the Hawks’ three-point win over Port Adelaide. Teammate Shaun Burgoyne was a standout, while Mitchell will also face competition from Port star Robbie Gray who kicked four goals.
Round 13
Hawthorn 12.16 (88) def Adelaide 4.8 (32) @ the MCG
The midfielder was again one of the Hawks’ best as they made light work of the Crows. Teammate James Sicily is a strong chance to grab the three votes with 24 disposals and three goals while playing in defence, but Mitchell’s 40 touches should hold him in good stead to poll well.
Round 15
GWS 13.17 (95) def Hawthorn 13.6 (84) @ Spotless Stadium
Cracking the 50-disposal mark for the third time in his career, Mitchell’s again likely to be in strong contention for the full three votes. GWS co-captain Callan Ward (32 disposals, two goals) will be his main challenger, particularly given the Giants were able to get over the top of the Hawks.
Round 17
Brisbane 15.8 (98) def Hawthorn 9.11 (65) @ University of Tasmania Stadium
Had 29 disposals by half time before finishing with 43 as one of the Hawks’ best. Will be hurt by the fact the Hawks again found themselves on the losing end of a clash with the Lions, while teammate Jaeger O’Meara was also impressive with four goals and 27 disposals. Mitchell a chance to snare a vote or two.
Round 18
Hawthorn 18.16 (124) def Carlton 7.10 (52) @ Etihad Stadium
46 disposals and two goals again puts Mitchell in the frame for the three votes. Was instrumental through the middle of the ground but could be challenged by teammates Luke Breust (five goals), Paul Puopolo (22 disposals, four goals) and James Worpel (32 disposals).
Round 19
Hawthorn 17.10 (112) def Fremantle 7.11 (53) @ Optus Stadium
All but sewed up the three votes with another 40-plus disposals. Was left to roam free by the Dockers early before finishing with 42 touches, including seven clearances and eight inside fifties. Luke Breust’s four goals and 19 disposals could be the only threat to a perfect score from the umpires.
Round 20
Hawthorn 16.11 (107) def Essendon 16.7 (103) @ he MCG
Five goals to Jack Gunston and 41 disposals to Bombers midfielder Zach Merret is likely to squeeze out Mitchell for the full three votes. The midfielder was prolific as always, again picking up 29 of his 43 disposals in the first half and finishing with 13 clearances.
Round 21
Hawthorn 10.11 (71) def Geelong 8.12 (60) @ the MCG
Topped the Hawks with 32 disposals but could be pipped by the performances of Patrick Dangerfield (39 disposals) and Gary Ablett (32 disposals, three goals) despite the Hawks claiming the win. Teammates James Worpel (23 disposals) and Shaun Burgoyne (20 disposals, 14 tackles) were also in good touch.
