Mitchell claims third Crimmins Medal

Another 2021 B&F winner joining rare air 💛🤎

STAFF WRITER | September 17, 2021 - 10:24am

Hawthorn star Tom Mitchell has claimed his third club best and fairest, joining a list of eight others as triple club champions.

This third win follows best and fairest wins in 2017, and his Brownlow-winning year in 2018.

Mitchell finished top with 161 votes, ahead of runner-up Blake Hardwick on 126 votes and vice-captain Jaeger O'Meara on 121 votes.

“To look back and know how far I’ve come since then is something I’m proud of.”

Tom Mitchell has become one of just nine players in the history of Hawthorn to win three or more Peter Crimmins Medals. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/T6kyemssXw

— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) September 16, 2021

The top five was rounded out by small forward Dylan Moore on 101 votes and a revitalised Chad Wingard, who polled 100 votes.

Returning back to his best, this season saw Mitchell feature in 22 matches and average 34.3 disposals, 4.8 tackles and 4.1 inside 50s per game.

Speaking after the award, Mitchell said he was honoured to join such rare company.

“There has been so many great players who have come before the current playing group of this great club, it’s a nice recognition for some hard work," Mitchell said.

“I think coming from a pretty disappointing year last year in 2020, we wanted to climb the ladder.

“Obviously the first half of the year was a bit of a struggle for us, we didn’t play too well but from then on I think we really showed some true character.

“The playing group was amazing, we won six games in the back-half of the year and had a few draws against some quality opposition - I think that is really exciting for next year and beyond."

The win is especially pleasing for the Hawks given Mitchell severely broke his leg two seasons ago and has endured a long journey back.

Speaking about it on the night, Mitchell reflected on the arduous journey to get back to the top.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Tom Mitchell of the Hawks handballs whilst being tackled by Joel Selwood of the Cats during the round 17 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 15, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

“That was a difficult time, I would’ve thought I’d be standing here again that’s for sure,” Mitchell said.

“I still have memories of going through that rehab, and the medical team obviously did a great job in getting me back.

“But there were difficult times - I think I was nine months into my rehab, of what ended up being around 18 months, and I was still really sore just walking, lesser-known running or playing footy.

“To look back and know how far I’ve come since then is something I’m proud of."

Other awards on the night saw emerging key forward Jacob Koschitzke receive the Best First Year Player gong and defender Sam Frost awarded the Most Consistent Player award.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Jacob Koschitzke of the Hawks (L) celebrates a goal during the round 18 AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 17, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

In another promising sign for the Hawks, exciting defender Changkuoth Jiath was awarded the club’s Most Promising Player, with skipper Ben McEvoy winning the Best Clubman Award.

Top 10 Peter Crimmins Medal:

Tom Mitchell – 161

Blake Hardwick – 126

Jaeger O’Meara – 121

Dylan Moore – 101

Chad Wingard – 100

Sam Frost – 95

Daniel Howe – 83

Changkuoth Jiath – 79

Liam Shiels & James Worpel – 74

Luke Breust - 73