PROLIFIC Hawk Tom Mitchell remembers straining to hear his teammates over the crowd's roar on AFL Grand Final day last year then the great hurt that followed in defeat.
Mitchell, 23, played an integral midfield role – alongside Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery and Luke Parker – in his old side Sydney climbing onto Australian football's biggest stage.
The excitement of the occasion was tempered when the Western Bulldogs kicked the final three goals of the game to complete a 22-point triumph last October.
Mitchell – the son of 1991 Swans club champion Barry Mitchell – was one of Sydney's best with 26 disposals, 13 tackles and two goals in what was his last match in the red and white.
He told AFL.com.au, on the eve of his first match against Sydney at the SCG on Friday night, of his burning desire to end his career a premiership player.
"I've never played in front of a crowd that big, in an atmosphere like that – I've never experienced anything like it," Mitchell said.
"It was very hard to hear anything out there, so it was a good experience in that regard, but obviously, at the same time, it was disappointing.
"I would have loved to be part of a premiership team and, going forward, that's a major goal – whenever that might be. That's what I'd love to do in my career."
What Tom Mitchell's 50 touches say about the Hawks
Mitchell's wish to return home to Victoria and Hawthorn's decision to remodel its midfield saw him land at Waverley Park for a first-round pick and change.
His success in previous years largely came in the shadows of Kennedy, Hannebery and Parker – and there was even a stage he battled to earn a senior spot – but he is the Hawks' leading midfield act.
The spotlight was shone on the no-frills onballer like never before after his record-breaking 50-possession effort in a losing cause at the MCG on Saturday night.
Mitchell comfortably leads the competition in disposals with 35.9 per game, as well as being ranked third in contested possessions, and will put his extra responsibility to the test against the Swans.
He was reluctant to single out any of Sydney's stars, but could not hide his admiration for endurance and contested ball king Kennedy.
"I've never been in this situation before, but there's been a few text messages floating around already, just having a bit of a joke," Mitchell said of his SCG return.
"I'm sure once the ball is bounced, both teams will be doing whatever they have to do to try and win the game.
"I'm still good mates with a lot of the boys, so I'll shake hands and catch up with them after."
Mitchell speaks glowingly about the opportunity to learn from Kennedy, Hannebery, Parker, Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh in the Harbour City.
That process has continued at Hawthorn, under the likes of new captain Jarryd Roughead, Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson and Isaac Smith.
Mitchell, who has thrived in the "strong cultures" at each of his clubs, is also emerging as a leader in his own right.
"It's always something as a player you want to improve, to become a leader and help the younger guys below you and also continue to learn off the older guys," he said.
"I'm just trying to learn my leadership habits off guys like 'Roughy' and those guys who lead the way, so I'll continue to do that."
