HAWTHORN star Sam Mitchell received maximum votes from Alastair Clarkson and Kevin Sheedy in the AFLCA Champion of the Year award.
Mitchell was best on ground in Hawthorn’s Round 8 win over the Giants at Aurora Stadium and was fittingly given 10 votes by the coaches.
He continued his good form, but found himself playing more time in his usual midfield role, rather than playing across half back as he has been so far this season.
Mitchell gathered 35 touches, laid three tackles, had three clearances, four inside 50s, three rebound 50s, kicked a goal and had two score involvements.
It was as complete a game as you can get from a midfielder.
For the second week running, forward Jarryd Roughead featured prominently in the votes, polling eight for his five goal and 27 disposal effort in the win.
Roughead has kicked nine goals in his past two matches to be Hawthorn’s most dominant forward in the past month.
His versatility has been a much publicised strength to his game, with Coach Alastair Clarkson enjoying the flexibility of playing his star forward both out of the goal square and in the middle of the ground.
Jordan Lewis had one of his best games for the year, gathering 27 disposals, 11 clearances and six inside 50s.
He was judged as the third-best player on the ground with six votes.
Brent Guerra, a late inclusion for Bradley Hill also polled votes for his quarterback role in the win.
Jack Gunston also polled two votes for his three goal game off a wing and Brian Lake polled one for his role at full back.
Taylor Adams was the only Greater Western Sydney player to poll a vote despite teammate Jeremy Cameron booting four goals.
Hawthorn v Greater Western Sydney
10 Mitchell (Haw)
8 Roughead (Haw)
6 Lewis (Haw)
2 Guerra (Haw)
2 Gunston (Haw)
1 Adams (GWS)
1 Lake (Haw)
AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award leader board
41 Gary Ablett (GC)
38 Daniel Hannebery (Syd)
35 Patrick Dangerfield (Adel)
35 Kieren Jack (Syd)
35 Jobe Watson (Ess)
30 Travis Boak (Port)
30 Hamish Hartlett (Port)
29 Pearce Hanley (Bris)
29 Scott Pendlebury Coll)
28 Rory Sloane (Adel)
