Video above: HawksTV exclusive behind-the-scenes ABC Football magazine interview.

STAR midfielder Sam Mitchell is featured on the cover of ABC Football magazine's launch issue.

The three-time Peter Crimmins medallist caught up with fellow past captain David Parkin, as he revealed his story of football, family and sacrifice in the pages dedicated to last season's ABC Footballer of the Year.

The famous Hawks names spoke about the Club they love, with a particular focus on the commitment Mitchell showed both to the Hawthorn Football Club and his family in season 2011.

It is a revealing story that identifies the extent of sacrifice made by both he, and his wife Lyndall - including Lyndall's suggestion that he stay at a hotel the night before every match to ensure a good night's sleep.

Mitchell believes that the support he also received from his Club, particularly his teammates and coaches laid the foundation for a standout season where he won his third Peter Crimmins Medal and the ABC Footballer of the Year award.

To read more from the conversation between Sam Mitchell and David Parkin, read the 2012 issue of ABC Football magazine with Mitchell on the cover.

ABC Football is a new magazine written by the ABC Radio Grandstand team, and is edited by commentator Gerard Whateley. As well as exclusive interviews, the 124-page magazine provides footy fans with full team run-downs, expert opinion and comprehensive stats.

ABC Football can be purchased from newsagents, ABC Shops, ABC Centres and ABC Shop Online, or from the Herald Sun Shop on 1300 306 107 or heraldsun.com.au/shop for $8.95.