Is there anyone or anything that can stop Sam Mitchell?
The brilliant midfielder had another outstanding season and was one of a number of players that would have been a deserving winner of the Club’s best and fairest.
It was a different year for the 31 year old who accepted a new challenge from the coaching group to play across half back as well as his usual midfield position.
While some might have raised an eyebrow to the move, Mitchell responded to the challenge with aplomb and had just as much an impact across half back as he did in the midfield.
He may not have the pace of teammates Isaac Smith and Bradley Hill, but his ability to slice through congestion with a simple hop-step is unrivalled and able to create space when there is none.
Mitchell is brilliant on both feet and can hit a teammate lace out whether under pressure or in space, he is just that good.
He won his second All Australian guernsey this year, this time named on the half backline after an outstanding season where he averaged 28 disposals, 3.5 marks and 3.2 tackles in 24 of a possible 25 games.
The four-time Peter Crimmins Medallist was ranked number one at the Club for disposals, contested possessions, uncontested possessions, clearances and centre clearances – he was the side’s number one stoppage player despite also spending time in defence.
He was also ranked second overall at the Club for rebound 50s and goal assists while ranked third for inside 50s and in the top 10 for tackles and one percenters.
He is simply a brilliant player who, despite just having turned 31 years of age looks like he could play for another five years or more – he is showing no signs of slowing down.
Mitchell started the season in slashing form with 37 disposals and four tackles in the loss to Geelong and even earned himself three Brownlow votes despite playing in a losing side.
In fact, Mitchell season as a whole was outstanding, gathering 25 or more disposals in 17 of his 24 matches, had it 24 times on six occasions and was held under 20 touches only once – in the Grand Final when heavily tagged by Fremantle’s Ryan Crowley.
He recorded big numbers in his first nine matches – 37, 31, 27, 25, 28, 29, 30, 35 and 36 to average 30.8 touches in the opening two months of the year.
Like most his teammates, he was outstanding in the Grand Final re-match against Sydney in Round 7 at the MCG with 30 disposals, five marks and four tackles and one of the standouts in the hard-fought win over Carlton in Round 12 with 24 touches, three tackles and a goal.
Mitchell seemed to save his best form for Geelong though, averaging 37 disposals against the Cats in the three matches against them this year.
The midfield dynamo saved his best for Preliminary Final against them though, with what many described as his best ever performance for the Hawks.
In the thrilling win, Mitchell gathered 38 disposals, took five marks and laid two tackles to be best afield along with Shaun Burgoyne in the win.
His leadership on that night was also outstanding, leading both by his actions and his words.
Even his Grand Final was impressive despite copping the heavy tag from Crowley. Despite gathering just 12 touches, Mitchell had an impact in other areas.
He laid seven tackles, with his pressure around the ball setting the tone for his teammates. He wanted his second premiership and he wasn’t going to let anyone or anything stand in his way.
Hawthorn is lucky to have a player like Mitchell not only because of his ability to make an impact no matter the circumstance but because he is an outstanding leader and professional both on and off the field. He leads the way along with his other senior teammates in terms of his attitude towards training and preparation for game day – he is a great role model for his younger teammates.
What Chris Fagan said: “What can you say about Sam? He was All Australian again this year but this time as a half back flanker.
“He had a tremendous season, whether he played half back or on ball in his more familiar role.
“We loved his Grand Final – he was tagged by Ryan Crowley but did some selfless things for the team to set up the victory.”
Mitchell in the news in 2013
Ratten to challenge Mitchell
Duo named All Australian
Videos featuring Mitchell in 2013
Sam Mitchell speech at the Peter Crimmins Medal
