Hawthorn ball-magnet Tom Mitchell is putting together one of the great AFL seasons
HAWTHORN’S Tom Mitchell on Saturday recorded his 11th 40-plus-possession game of the season, eight more than in 2017 when he finished third in the Brownlow.
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- ‘Monumental mistake’: Hinkley fumes at score review
- ‘I think it hit the post’: Jenkins comes clean on winning goal
- Never-say-die Crows muddy Port’s finals hopes
- Analysis: Another epic derby to give the AFL new faith
HAWTHORN’S Tom Mitchell is having one of the most remarkable individual seasons in AFL history.
On Saturday at the MCG the Hawks kept their top four hopes alive with a thrilling three-point win over traditional enemies Essendon.
Once again it was Mitchell who starred becoming only the second player behind Gary Ablett Jnr to have 40-plus disposals in four consecutive weeks.
It’s the 11th time this year he has gone beyond the 40-possession barrier, eight more than in season 2017 when he polled 25 votes in the Brownlow, finishing third behind winner Dustin Martin and the ineligible Patrick Dangerfield.
By half time on Saturday Mitchell had gathered 29 disposals, 10 clearances and gained 427 metres for his team.
Numbers most midfielders would be thrilled to achieve in an entire game, not a half.
He’s remarkably similar to his Hawthorn namesake Sam with one difference. Sam Mitchell lacked endurance and relied on footy intelligence, skill and positioning to win the ball whereas Mitchell shares the same qualities but also has an elite endurance base which allows him to get to more contests than any other player in the game. During Saturday’s game he covered and enormous 15.8 kilometres.
Despite all these attributes Mitchell is taggable and it’s staggering the lack of respect that is shown to him from rival coaches with North Melbourne’s Ben Jacobs the only player disciplined enough match-up on him for a full four quarters this year.
Jacobs held Mitchell to a season low 19 possessions in round five and unsurprisingly Hawthorn lost the match.
To tag him effectively you must play him from behind at stoppages and physically push his body into the congestion.
A favourite tactic of mine was to edge my opponent into the ruck duel meaning that any hitout would go over my opponent’s head.
Around the ground you need laser focus to not give him an inch of space or any ‘cheap possessions’.
Besides Jacobs I haven’t seen anyone use these tactics and completely sacrifice their game to stop him.
Last season Adelaide’s Matt Crouch broke the record for the most disposals in an AFL season with 825 at an average or 33. Already through 19 games Mitchell has collected 697 touches at a staggering average of 37.
At season’s end he will become the first Hawthorn player to collect the Brownlow Medal in person since Shane Crawford in 1999 (Sam Mitchell was retrospectively awarded the 2012 medal with Trent Cotchin after Jobe Watson handed his back in the wake of the Essendon supplements program) maybe then the AFL coaches might wake up and give the superstar the respect he deserves.
Winners
1. Showpiece
Showdown 45 was yet another epic example or why the Adelaide versus Port Adelaide rivalry is undisputedly the fiercest and best in the AFL.
2. Too tough
Despite the controversial finish Adelaide dominated the Showdown with a style of play that stands up in finals. Alarmingly for Port Adelaide, the Crows won the contested possession count by 18, the clearances by 10 and dominated the inside 50 count by 26. If not for inaccuracy Adelaide would’ve won comfortably.
3. Hand it over
Rory Sloane again showed why he should be Adelaide’s captain next year with a typically
inspirational performance. He produced 26 disposals (10 contested), nine score involvements, a
courageous goal saving spoil and two telling ‘captain’s goals’.
4. Colossus
Match-winning hero Josh Jenkins played his best game for the season on Saturday night and
completely toyed with Port defender Jack Hombsch. Offensively he tallied eight marks and slotted three majors but his game high six inside 50 tackles were the highlight.
5. Breaking more records
Robbie Gray became the first player in history to win a fourth Showdown Medal. He is automatic selection into the AFL Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible, what a career.
Losers
1. Dark Ages
Instead of pouring all their time and resources into changing the rules the AFL should fix the farcical goal review system. The only available camera angle of the Josh Jenkins matchwinning goal that hit the post was grainy and inconclusive. This lack of technology could cost Port Adelaide a finals berth.
2. Bizarre Betts
Eddie Betts decision to pass the ball off instead of having a regulation set shot for goal during the third term of Saturday’s Showdown is another example of how badly his form has dropped away in 2018. Betts turns 32 in November and unfortunately it appears his best footy is behind him.
3. Wasteful
If Port Adelaide vice-captain Ollie Wines wants to join the elite midfielders in the competition his decision making and kicking efficiency must improve. He was wasteful during Saturday’s Showdown kicking the ball at only 36 per cent.
4. Big Call
A snarly Chris Scott made these comments after his sides loss to Richmond on Friday night “They will need a lot to go right for them to win the flag again this year.” A disrespectful comment considering the Tigers sit a game and percentage clear on top of the ladder and have won 19 straight at the MCG.
5. Best get better
The worst kept secret this year is finally out with Gold Coast captain Tom Lynch confirming he will leave the Suns to join a Melbourne based club. If he choses ladder leader Richmond as his club of choice the AFL will have no option but to change the free agency laws.