TRADE target Tom Mitchell's stocks continue to rise, with the out-of-contract Swans midfielder ranked as his side's best finals performer in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
His contribution will again be crucial in Saturday's Grand Final versus the Western Bulldogs.
Mitchell, 23, was one of the Swans' best in their preliminary final victory against Geelong last Friday night at the MCG.
Perhaps his finest moment came about midway through the first term. Mitchell collected the ball just inside his team's 50m arc amidst a throng of players, fooled two Cats into thinking he would dish out a handball before finding Luke Parker in space. Parker's resultant goal gave the Swans a 20-point buffer.
Mitchell's contract expires at the end of the season and his toughness and ability to find the ball would have him highly sought after. In the Swans' three finals, he has averaged 28 disposals per game and 14 contested possessions.
One of Mitchell's midfield counterparts at the Dogs – Tom Liberatore – has been his team's No.1 ranked player during finals.
Liberatore, 24, may not have been overly prolific in the Dogs' rousing win against Greater Western Sydney last Saturday but his 15 disposals does not reflect the impact he had on the game. He won nine contested possessions and five clearances, reflecting the hardness he brought to the match.
His high proportion of contested possessions has been a trend throughout the finals. The Bulldog has averaged 19 disposals and 11 contested possessions per game since the home and away season ended.
Ankle surgery meant Liberatore had not played since round 19 when heading into the elimination final against West Coast.
The pair share a number of similarities. Both were drafted under the father-son rule – Mitchell's father Barry played 221 games for the Swans, Collingwood and Carlton, while Bulldogs great Tony Liberatore won the Brownlow Medal in 1990.
Size is another area of commonality. Mitchell's frame was recorded at 182cm and 84kg in this year's Season Guide while Liberatore was listed at 183cm and 83kg. They are also both left-footers.
Sydney Swans top five
1. Tom Mitchell
2. Lance Franklin
3. Dan Hannebery
4. Josh Kennedy
5. Luke Parker
Western Bulldogs top five
1. Tom Liberatore
2. Clay Smith
3. Liam Picken
4. Marcus Bontempelli
5. Caleb Daniel
