Brownlow Medal champion Sam Mitchell set to play in VAFA
Sam Mitchell played 307 matches and in four premierships for Hawthorn in the AFL. Now, at the age of 37, he’s on the VAFA clearance list — and his intended club says he’s keen on pulling on the boots.
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Sam Mitchell played many matches for Hawthorn in the AFL.
Now he may play a few for Hawthorn Amateurs.
The 37-year-old Brownlow Medal champion’s appearance on the VAFA clearance register on the weekend has lifted eyebrows in the Ammos.
Hawthorn Amateurs are in Division 2 and one potential opponent said the thought of playing against Mitchell was “horrifying’’.
“Yes, he’s keen to keep it pretty low key but he’s interested in coming down for a kick,’’ Hawthorn Amateur Football Club president Sam Waldron said this morning.
“Obviously he’s a pretty busy bloke, so it will depend on his schedule and the AFL protocols (for the coronavirus pandemic).
“Given he’s coaching (at the AFL Hawks) he’ll have to adhere to whatever protocols they have got there. But, yes, he is keen.’’
Waldron said Mitchell had a connection to Hawthorn Amateurs through former club president Ed Sill, who is now president of VFL club Box Hill Hawks.
He said Mitchell and Sill had a longstanding friendship. Another past president, Pat Clancey, had also been in contact with the 2012 Brownlow Medallist, who played 307 AFL matches for the Hawks and another 22 for West Coast Eagles.
Drafted from Box Hill Hawks, he became one of the AFL’s most accomplished midfielders, playing in four premierships, winning five best and fairests and gaining three All-Australian selections.
Waldron said it remained to be seen if the VAFA went ahead this season. The board will meet on July 6 to make a call.
“Hopefully we get a season up, and hopefully Sam’s schedule allows him to come down and have a kick,’’ Waldron said.
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Hawthorn Amateurs Football Club was reformed in 1995, six years after Hawthorn Citizens folded because of a lack of players.
It now has three men’s teams and a women’s side, which won premierships in 2017 and ’18.
Waldron said all the players were eager to have a kick.
“It’s just been great to get back to training and for the players to get around each other and see each other again,’’ he said.
Another Brownlow Medal champion, Dane Swan, is on the local football clearance list, joining St Kilda City in the Southern league.