No. 10 in the AFL players' top 50, brought to you by Bailey, is nearing the 250-game milestone. He captained his club to a premiership and led his team in clearances and disposals in another premiership year.
10. Sam Mitchell
Hawthorn
Defender/midfielder
Official AFL Player Rating: 13
Debut: 2002
Games: 246
The long-time centre-square master was often used at half-back last year, particularly during the home and away season, and was named there in the All-Australian team. He moved back into the midfield almost full-time for the finals and was instrumental in the club’s march to the premiership, the highlight coming in his huge 38-disposal effort in the preliminary final win over Geelong. The former captain finished with the most clearances and disposals of any Hawk for the year and placed third in the best and fairest.
"Plays the game at a different speed to everyone else ... the greatest attribute is when one player makes everyone else around him better, and that's how I see him." - Jobe Watson
"I think he's almost peerless in his combination of decision-making, ball winning ability and vision." - Brad Sewell
"His continued knowledge of the game seems to be at the absolute elite." - Trent Cotchin
Strengths
Brilliant vision at contests, wonderful hands, keeps his feet in a contest and kicks equally well on his left and right side. Remains a premier midfielder, but just as damaging as an attacking half-back flanker.
What the players saidWeaknesses
Not particularly fast and doesn’t get great length on his kicks.
"Plays the game at a different speed to everyone else ... the greatest attribute is when one player makes everyone else around him better, and that's how I see him." - Jobe Watson
"I think he's almost peerless in his combination of decision-making, ball winning ability and vision." - Brad Sewell
"His continued knowledge of the game seems to be at the absolute elite." - Trent Cotchin
