HAWTHORN youngster Mitch Hallahan has won the J. J. Liston Trophy as the fairest and best player in the VFL in a three-way tie with Steve Clifton (North Ballarat) and Jordan Schroder (Geelong).

The trio finished with 17 votes each, the first joint winners of the award since 1978.

Hallahan polled four best on grounds, two lots of two votes and a single vote in a year in which he averaged 25 disposals and kicked 11 goals.

He has consistently been named in the best this season and has shown much improvement in his game in 2013 as a tough in and under midfielder.

His standout games came in Rounds 6 and 11 – with 31 disposals, eight clearances and three goals in the win over Casey Scorpians and 30 disposals, seven clearances and three goals against Werribee.

Box Hill Hawks Senior Coach Damian Caroll says the award is just reward for a player who has continued to work hard since his arrival at Hawthorn in 2010.

“It’s great for him and a real reward for hard work, not just this year but the past three years as well,” Caroll told hawthornfc.com.au

Hallahan has added another weapon to his game in 2013, with the ability to become a goal kicking midfielder who is damaging not only through his clearance work, but his ability to use the ball on the outside.

Despite missing four matches through injury this season, Caroll says his ability to overcome niggles has held him in good stead to play consistent football at VFL level.  

“Over the last three years his development in terms of getting over injuries has allowed him to run out games well because his conditioning is in a good spot,” he said.

“Mitch is very strong minded and strong willed and he’s just focused on being the best player he could at VFL level.

“We thought his last half of last year was good, so probably the last 18 months of footy he’s been able to turn it around and be a really good VFL player with obviously his next step to translate that into some AFL footy.”

Hallahan spent most of the season playing in the midfield for Box Hill, but also spent time up forward where he managed to have an impact on the scoreboard.

But it is his clearance work and tackling pressure that have been hallmarks of his game in 2013.

“He’s an inside mid who has also gone forward at times and has kicked goals for us this year, which is really good because he’s got another weapon to his game,” Caroll said.

“He’s very good with his clearance work and connection with the ruckman has been really strong.

“His pressure around the ball too, there were four or five times on the weekend where his intent and technique were really good.

“Growing up with a boxing background I think has really helped him because he loves the physical stuff and he prides his game on that as well as his clearance work.”

Interestingly, the 21 year old didn’t poll a vote in last year’s J. J. Liston Trophy award, which speaks volumes to his development as a midfielder.

“His improvement this year has come from his work on the outside, it’s the biggest difference to his game - his ability to spread after the ball leaves his area and impact the next contest.

“That’s held him in good position throughout this year.”

Hallahan becomes only the fourth Box Hill player in history to win the VFL’s highest individual honour.

He joins teammate and AFL star Sam Mitchell as winners of the award – Mitchell won in 2002.

He is yet to make his AFL debut, but has impressed Hawks fans with his attack on the ball during the pre-season competition.

Box Hill finished in second position on the VFL ladder behind Geelong and advanced to the Preliminary Final on Saturday with a five goal victory over Williamstown.

J. J. Liston Trophy top 10