Birchall has been one of Hawthorn’s best this season, with his unique ability to combine tight defence with devastating offence winning him recognition from external sources.
The rebounding defender averages 25 disposals per game off half back in his 17 matches so far this season - up from 24 and 20 in 2011 and 2010 respectively.
The modest 24-year-old credits his teammates, however, for giving him a “chop out” whenever opposition sides play close attention to him.
“It obviously depends on the opposition each week, but I’ve had a bit of attention with some games this year,” Birchall said.
“Different sides try to do different things, I’ve just got to try and manage it the best way I can.
“The boys give me a pretty good chop out down there [in defence] anyway.”
The Hawks will be without Cyril Rioli against Gold Coast on Sunday with a shoulder injury, but with Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and Liam Shiels possible inclusions, he believes the side is in a good position.
“We’ve had a couple of injuries in the last few weeks but we should be able to cope with that - we’ve got really good depth,” Birchall said.
Part of the notion of depth within the list, is the confidence the Hawks have in one another - that any player can come into the line-up and perform his role for the team.
It is something Birchall says the coaches have instilled in the playing group, and it’s working.
“Everyone knows their role in the side,” he said.
“Our depth is really good and if there’s a serious injury to any of the guys, someone else can come in and play a role.
“They [the coaches] really drive that pretty hard.
“Every guy knows what they’ve got to do out there and it’s just about trying to execute it the best way you can.”
The defender believes that the mindset has helped the Hawks overcome a difficult draw, one that has seen them face Collingwood and Geelong twice, with return bouts against West Coast and Sydney to come.
“Everyone understands that if you just play a role and do your bit for the side, it all adds up,” he said.
“If you’ve got a lot of contributors, there’s usually a fair chance that we’re going to have a good win.
“All the boys understand that.”
Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s Digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.
RELATED
Injury Report: Sore Cyril, Buddy's triple test Lewis flags Buddy return Read this week's match preview, Looking ahead to Gold Coast
