Michael Mitchell (Australian rules footballer)

Michael Mitchell
Personal information
Date of birth	25 November 1961
Original team(s)	Carnarvon Juniors / Claremont (WAFL)
Height / weight	173 cm / 66 kg
Playing career^1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
1987–1991	Richmond	81 (103)
^1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1991.
Career highlights
All-Australian (with Claremont) 1985, 1986 Mark of the Year 1990 Goal of the Year 1990 100 Tiger Treasures "Goal of the Century"

Michael Mitchell (born 25 November 1961) is an indigenous former Australian rules footballer for the Claremont Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) and the Richmond Football Club in the VFL/AFL.

Mitchell was originally from Carnarvon, Western Australia (WA).

Playing career

Claremont

Mitchell began his senior career with Claremont Football Club in the West Australian Football League. He won the Sandover Medal in 1984 before achieving All-Australian selection in 1985 and 1986.^[1][2]

Richmond

In May 1986 he signed a three–year contract with Richmond in the Victorian Football League beginning from the 1987 VFL season.^[3] He was regarded as one of the most exciting footballers in the VFL of the late 1980s and early 1990s, albeit during poor seasons for Richmond as a club. His play featured pace and a high leap.

In 1990, Mitchell achieved both Mark of the Year and Goal of The Year awards in the same year, becoming only the second player in the history of the competition to do so.

A lightly built player, Mitchell was, however, known as a strong tackler and for his ability to chase down opponents. His career was cut short by several head injuries and concussions sustained during his later playing years.

Retirement

At the end of his AFL career, Mitchell returned to Western Australia.

References

1. "Sandover Medallist". WAFL Online. West Australian Football Commission. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
2. "ALL AUSTRALIAN TEAMS 1953 TO 1988". Full Points Footy. Full Points Publications. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
3. Linnell, Gary (7 May 1986). "Richardson a Bomber; Rioli may go west". The Age. Retrieved 12 August 2011.

Bibliography

• Hogan P: The Tigers Of Old, Richmond FC, Melbourne 1996