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Michael Mitchell (Australian rules footballer) facts for kids

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Michael Mitchell
Personal information
Date of birth (1961-11-25) 25 November 1961 (age 63)
Original team Carnarvon Juniors / Claremont (WAFL)
Career highlights
  • All-Australian (with Claremont) 1985, 1986
  • Sandover Medal 1984
  • Mark of the Year 1990
  • Goal of the Year 1990
  • 100 Tiger Treasures "Goal of the Century"

Michael Mitchell, born on November 25, 1961, is a famous Indigenous former Australian rules footballer. He played for the Claremont Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). Later, he joined the Richmond Football Club in the VFL/AFL. Michael grew up in Carnarvon, Western Australia.

Playing Career Highlights

Claremont Football Club Years

Michael Mitchell started his senior football career with the Claremont Football Club. This team plays in the West Australian Football League. In 1984, he won the prestigious Sandover Medal. This award is given to the best player in the WAFL.

He was also chosen for the All-Australian team in both 1985 and 1986. Being named All-Australian means he was one of the best players in the entire country.

Richmond Football Club Years

In May 1986, Michael signed a three-year contract with the Richmond Football Club. He began playing for them in the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1987. He was known as one of the most exciting players in the VFL during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Michael was famous for his incredible speed and his ability to jump very high. Even though Richmond had some tough seasons, Michael always stood out.

Amazing Achievements in 1990

The year 1990 was very special for Michael Mitchell. He won two major awards in the same year:

  • The Mark of the Year award, for the best catch (mark) of the season.
  • The Goal of the Year award, for the most amazing goal.

As of 2024, Michael is only the second player ever to win both of these awards in the same year! The first player to do this was Peter Bosustow in 1981.

Playing Style and Career End

Even though Michael was not a very big player, he was known for being a strong tackler. He was also great at chasing down opponents to get the ball back. Unfortunately, his career ended early due to injuries he got while playing.

After Football

After his time in the AFL, Michael Mitchell moved back to Western Australia.

More Information

  • Michael Mitchell's playing statistics from AFL TablesLua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 29: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
  • Michael Mitchell at AustralianFootball.comLua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 29: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
  • Michael Mitchell's WAFL playing statistics at WAFLFootyFacts.netLua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 29: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
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