Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell is the National AFL Rising Star round one nominee.

Recruited from the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL through the 2001 National Draft, Mitchell is regarded as a tough and talented player.

In 2002 Mitchell stepped up to play nine senior matches for the Hawks and was named as an emergency eight times throughout the year.

An impressive midfielder who has the ability to generate clearances Mitchell lined up for the Hawks midway through the first term of Sunday's match against the Demons where he worked hard for the Hawks and chalked up 17 disposals.

Playing a strong second half, Mitchell worked out at ground level below new recruit Peter Everitt in the ruck, putting his body on the line and continuing to play the physical game for which has become renowned.

In 2002, Mitchell won the VFL's best and fairest award the Liston Trophy, polling 31 votes to win by 12 votes despite only playing 11 VFL matches. He also won the Box Hill Hawks’ best and fairest and Hawthorn's 2002 most determined player award.

Mitchell graduated to the VFL from the National AFL Pathway Program. He represented Victorian Metro in the 2000 National AFL Under 18 Championships and is also is the only player at the Eastern Ranges to win two best and fairests, taking out the award in 1999 and 2000.