Grant Birchall had another outstanding season in 2013, with the rangy defender finishing seventh in the Club’s best and fairest despite missing eight weeks through injury.
The dual Premiership player suffered a knee injury in Round 13, which threatened to derail his season after he had enjoyed an outstanding first half of the year.
In fact, the injury probably cost him a place in the 2013 All Australian side and possibly a top five finish at the least in the Peter Crimmins Medal.
Birchall didn’t return until Round 21, when he slotted straight into the senior side for the game against Collingwood – he was one of the best on ground in the win with 26 disposals.
His performance in that game, with his run and overlap off half back almost unstoppable reminded the football community just how important he is to Hawthorn, in case they’d forgotten during his layoff.
The 25 year old’s run, particularly in the absence of Matt Suckling was critical to the side’s success in 2013 and his physicality was a key asset throughout the finals series.
Birchall played 17 of a possible 25 matches and averaged 23.9 disposals, 4.8 marks and 1.4 tackles – he was one of the side’s most consistent performers.
The beginning of his season was particularly outstanding, averaging 31.25 possessions in the opening four rounds.
He received top votes in the Peter Crimmins Medal for each of the opening four rounds thanks to his 29, 31, 28 and 37 disposal performances and trailed eventual winner Josh Gibson by one vote at the conclusion of Round 12.
His slashing opening to the season had opposition teams targeting him – he was tagged heavily by defensive forwards following his outstanding performances, which proved a valuable learning experience.
The posterior cruciate ligament injury to his knee saw him miss seven games before returning to the side where he produced some of his best form of the year.
From Round 21 to the Grand Final, Birchall averaged 24.3 disposals and five marks per game – a return that exceeded the expectations of his teammates, coaches and probably himself.
Now a veteran of 169 games for the Hawks, it seems the Tasmanian took his game to a new level this year, which makes 2014 an exciting season for him if he can stay injury-free.
His form up until his injury surely would have seen him well and truly in the mix for a half back position in the All Australian squad and he probably could have even made it despite missing seven games.
The Tasmanian’s finals series was outstanding, averaging 26.3 disposals and eight marks – gathering 26, 27 and 26 disposals in the Qualifying, Preliminary and Grand Finals.
He saved his best for last though, with 26 disposals and 11 marks in the Grand Final.
He was a rock down back during the 2013 decider and his run and carry plus his physicality was a key to the side’s success.
He had no issue in making his presence felt throughout the finals, laying a number of bone-crunching hits on opposition players in the three games, an area in which he probably improved this year.
If he has better luck on the injury front in 2014, expect to see Birchall earn his second All Australian jumper, such is his ability to balance attack and defence.
He reliable and consistent and someone who always puts the team first, he is exactly the type of player each of the other 17 clubs would love to have on their list.
What Chris Fagan said: “Birchall really had an outstanding year.
“He finished seventh in the best and fairest and missed seven games. His form was of an All Australian standard and I dare say he would have been All Australian again had he not had that injury.
“His rebound, defensive work from half back was outstanding and his finals series was spot on.
“He finished with over 20 possessions in every game and hardly conceded a shot on goal to his direct opponent.”
Birchall in the news in 2013
- Mini pre-season has Birchall fit and firing
Videos featuring Birchall in 2013
- Birchall on Game Day after beating the Swans
- Birchall after his return in Round 21
