As Grant Birchall celebrates his 30th birthday, we thought we would take a look back at the five best games of his career…
Round 22 2006 vs Geelong at Etihad Stadium
36 disposals, 11 marks, 5 rebound 50s, 5 inside 50s and 4 bounces
After enjoying a stand-out debut season for the Hawks, Birchall left his best to the last game of the year when he gathered 36 touches in the Hawks’ 61-point drubbing of the Cats. The Hawks’ number 14 pick in the 2005 national draft, Birchall showcased Hawks fans with a glimpse of what to expect from him in the future. At the end of the year, Birchall was awarded the Club’s Best First Year Player, rewarding a season where he also earned a Rising Star nomination for his performance against West Coast in Round 14.
Round 20 2012 vs Port Adelaide at University of Tasmania Stadium
32 disposals, 12 marks, 5 rebound 50s, 5 inside 50s and 2 tackles
This Round 20 match represents Birchall’s best game of his All-Australian 2012 season. Birchall was named on the half-back flank of the game’s team of the year after averaging 23.1 disposals, 5.9 marks and 3.3 rebound 50s. Birchall led the way for the Hawks as they piled on 24 goals to demolish the Power by 72 points. At 24 years of age, Birchall had confirmed himself as one of the competition’s leading back flankers, with his exquisite foot skills and ability to set up Hawthorn attacks.
Round 4 2013 vs Fremantle at University of Tasmania Stadium
37 disposals, 12 marks, 6 rebound 50s, 3 inside 50s, 3 tackles and 1 goal
This performance in 2013 stands as the Tasmanian’s highest possession tally over his 13-year career. Playing in his home state, at a venue where he holds a higher disposal average than any other ground, Birchall was everywhere in the Hawks’ 42-point victory over Fremantle, the side they would meet five months later in the Grand Final. Birchall was awarded the three Brownlow votes, a feat he has achieved on three other occasions over his 245-game career.
Grand Final 2013 vs Fremantle at MCG
26 disposals, 11 marks, 5 rebound 50s and 2 clearances
Grant Birchall is a proven Grand Final performer, averaging 22 possessions across his five outings on the last Saturday in September. But his output in the 2013 Grand Final, the first of the threepeat series, was arguably the best of the bunch. Birchall was the Hawks equal leading ball-getter, alongside midfielder Jordan Lewis, and also took more marks than any other player on the ground. Despite missing seven games throughout the season, Birchall finished his year strong as he enjoyed an outstanding finals campaign, culminating in a dominant performance to help the Hawks claim their second premiership in six years.
Round 2 2017 vs Adelaide at MCG
22 disposals, 7 marks, 5 rebound 50s and 2 inside 50s
Although this game might raise eyebrows as to why it is getting a mention in Birchall’s top five career moments, Birchall’s strength and determination in this game epitomised why he has carved out such an outstanding career. Birchall copped a knock to his face after a collision with Adelaide forward Tom Lynch midway through the opening term and required immediate attention as he was taken down into the rooms to be assessed by the medical staff. But the four-time premiership defender soon re-emerged, gritting his teeth to play out the game and finish with an impressive 22 touches. Scans later revealed Birchall had suffered a fractured jaw for which he would need surgery, missing a month of footy.
