Sam Mitchell (footballer)

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**Sam Mitchell**
Personal Info
Birth	12 October 1982, Mooroolbark, Victoria
Recruited from	Eastern U18/Box Hill Hawks
Height/Weight	179cm / 85kg
Playing Career¹
Debut	2002, Hawthorn vs. Richmond, at MCG
Team(s)	Hawthorn (2002-2006) 86 games, 15 goals
¹ Statistics to end of 2006 season
Career Highlights
National AFL Rising Star 2003 Best Hawthorn Clubman 2005 Hawthorn Vice-Captain 2006 Peter Crimmins Medal 2006

Sam Mitchell (born October 12, 1982) is an Australian rules footballer, contracted to the Hawthorn Football Club in the Australian Football League.

[edit] Debut season

Mitchell was recruited to the Hawthorn Football Club in the AFL in the 2001 AFL Draft at pick 36. The first half of his debut season in 2002 saw him playing with the Box Hill Hawks, until he broke into the Hawthorn side midway through the season due to some amazing form. Following some unimpressive performances where he never managed more than 14 disposals, he was dropped for Round 15 but was recalled after more eye-catching performances in Round 19. It turns out he polled 31 votes in just 11 games for the VFL's best and fairest award, the J.J. Liston Trophy which was the main reason for his constant recalls to the Hawthorn side.

[edit] 2003-present

In 2003 Mitchell continued to improve, winning the AFL Rising Star award and becoming known as "the Extractor" (particularly by commentator Brian Taylor) for his high amount of clearances and ability to win the ball out of middle of the ground.

A solid season followed in 2004, and in 2005 he played a "super" season until a foot injury sidelined him in Round 15. For the 2006 season, Mitchell was named vice-captain of Hawthorn and displayed stellar form throughout the season culminating in winning the Peter Crimmins Medal for hawthorn's best and fairest.