Hawks midfielder Tom Mitchell has been named the AFLPA’s most valuable player for the 2018 season.
Awarded the 37th Leigh Matthews trophy, Mitchell polled 773 votes to win ahead of Carlton’s Patrick Cripps (529) and Melbourne’s Max Gawn (412). Richmond’s Dustin Martin (304) and Sydney’s Lance Franklin (291) rounded out the top five.
After joining the Hawks family at the end of 2016, the 25-year-old midfielder has already quickly racked up a list of accolades during his short time in the brown and gold.
Last year, he broke the AFL record of possessions in a home and away season, on his way to winning the 2017 Peter Crimmins Medal and his first All-Australian blazer. Runner-up in last year’s Brownlow count with 25 votes, Mitchell is one of the hot favourites to take out this year’s Charlie.
His 2018 campaign started in the best possible way, as Mitchell broke the all-time disposal record with a 54-touch haul in Round 1. His ball-winning ways continued throughout the season, as he averaged 35.7 disposals for the year, and finished just one touch shy of his own home and away record.
He also lead the league in clearances, amassing a whopping 173 so far this season.
Last night, he received his second consecutive All Australian selection, named a ruck rover in the best side of the year.
Mitchell will be looking to continue his stellar season when he plays his first final in the brown and gold next Thursday night.
