Grant Birchall is one of Hawthorn’s most reliable half backs, with his ability to find space to rebound from defensive 50 important to the Hawks’ style.
Despite close attention from opposition players, Birchall works hard with his teammates to ensure he can perform his role as an attacking defender to the best of his ability and provide the Hawks with great drive.
2012 was one of his most consistent seasons, and his efforts were recognised and acknowledged by his coaches, awarding him votes in 21 of a possible 23 matches (he missed two with injury) in the Peter Crimmins Medal.
With 152 matches now to his name and, at 24 years of age, Birchall is entering his prime, a scary thought given the talent he has already displayed at the level.
He forms part of one of the most accomplished half backlines in the league, and with Matt Suckling by his side, can have a profound impact on every game he plays.
Birchall did just that in 2012, and he wasted no time in doing so.
He was arguably best afield in Round 1 with 28 disposals, nine marks two tackles and a goal.
He missed rounds 4 and 5 through injury, but upon his return, illustrated why he is an important player to Hawthorn’s structure.
For the next 10 matches, Birchall gathered over 20 disposals and was damaging off half back with his elite foot skills and line breaking ability slicing through opposition defences.
His most impressive game came in the Round 20 win over Port Adelaide in Launceston, when he gathered a season-high 32 disposals at 100 per cent disposal efficiency - a feat rarely achieved when a player amasses such a high number of possessions.
What makes Birchall such a dangerous player is his ability to hurt his opposition forward of center. Despite kicking just one goal in 2012, Birchall is often the player who sets up his forwards in scoring positions.
In 2012, he averaged three inside 50s per game - including seven inside 50s against Brisbane, six against Gold Coast and five inside 50s on four occasions.
For all his attacking flair, Birchall is as desperate and as committed to his defensive game as he is his offence. He attacks the ball as hard as teammate Jordan Lewis, tackles as ferociously as Brent Guerra and puts his body on the line for his team as often and as courageously as Luke Hodge and Josh Gibson.
The Tasmanian is a unique, consistent player who plays as if he’s been in the game for over 10 seasons. He is mature, calm, and able to think his way through the toughest of situations.
He can handle the pressure and the heat when it’s on.
He’s a big game performer and he showed that in 2012.
| GA | K | H | D | DE% | CP | UP | M | CL | T | I50 | G | PCM | |
| 2012 averages | 23 | 13.7 | 9.4 | 23.1 | 85 | 6.3 | 16.3 | 5.9 | 1 | 1.7 | 3.3 | 0 | 144 |
Grant Birchall embraces Shaun Burgoyne after defeating Sydney in a thriller in Round 22.
Birchall in the news in 2012
Knowing your role the key: Birchall Finals a different ball game: BirchallVideos featuring Birchall in 2012
Seven in Seven: BirchallHow did you rate Birchall's 2012 season? Leave your view below.
RELATED
2012 Player Reviews
