Sam Mitchell - Retiring at the end of 2017

[CM9000]

SAM Mitchell, one of the AFL’s most decorated footballers of the modern era, will bring an end to his illustrious playing career at the completion of this season.

The Herald Sun can reveal Mitchell, who turns 35 in October, will soon announce his retirement, but remains committed to chasing a finals berth for the Eagles this year before moving into an assistant coach’s role under Adam Simpson.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...r/news-story/056b58433bbba5b6e0315c971a64726e

While Sam himself hasn't announced he won't be playing on, all the signs have been pointing to retirement.

Although I didn't get to watch him rise to stardom, win 4 premierships and decimate teams over 15 years, he's been all class for West Coast in 2017. Sam was and still is pure silk, and watching him play this season has been an honour.

His CV speaks for itself:

• 4× AFL premiership player (2008, 2013, 2014, 2015)
• Brownlow Medal (2012)
• 5× Peter Crimmins Medal (2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016)
• 3× All-Australian team (2011, 2013, 2015)
• 2× Lou Richards Medal (2011, 2015)
• J.J. Liston Trophy (2002)
• AFL Rising Star (2003)

Congratulations on a phenomenal career Sam.

 

[La Vache]

Just finished watching the 2013 prelim again. His second half was unbelievable.

 

[ShockersBoy11]

Holy damn

 

[Off The Couch]

It saddens me that he won't get the farewell he deserves. Would be nice if all the WA Hawks could get to domain to farewell him (depending on fixturing)

Would like the Hawks media department to do something for him as well - it's the least they owe him

 

[Quivorir]

A true Eagles legend.

 

[Slats]

Thanks for the memories Sam.

 

[bradrowe#32]

Surprised he's only been AA 3 times.

 

[Adz]

Just finished watching the 2013 prelim again. His second half was unbelievable.

You have a lot of spare time on your hands do you?

 

[adammania9]

I never knew he used to play for Hawthorn

 

[DrEvil_]

Surely goes down as the most decorated Eagle, WC team of the century locked in.

 

[demondavey]

Legend.

 

[Donakebab]

The exact moment Sam knew it was time to hang up the boots...




When you get run down by a plodder like Green it's time to go.

 

[La Vache]

You have a lot of spare time on your hands do you?

The way I look at it is, if not now, when?

 

[Bardo State]

Thanks for the memories Sam.

How could anyone not like the guy after this?

 

[legend166]

Absolute gun.

Did the AFL ever talk about the salary cap implications of recruiting someone with the promise of a post-career coaching position? There's a loophole big enough to drive a truck through.

 

[Sweet Jesus]

Absolute gun.

Did the AFL ever talk about the salary cap implications of recruiting someone with the promise of a post-career coaching position? There's a loophole big enough to drive a truck through.

How so?

 

[Andrew Mc]

So consistent over the years, and so great to watch. Wish he'd played a bit worse against the Swans at times .

 

[Chaisa]

Wonderful servant for many years. Probably could've gone on another year, but I suppose it was time for West Coast to start rebuilding. Will be missed.

 

[AG]

Absolute gun.

Did the AFL ever talk about the salary cap implications of recruiting someone with the promise of a post-career coaching position? There's a loophole big enough to drive a truck through.

That's a good question actually.

Hopefully Dustin Martin wants to coach at Sydney.

On the thread topic, absolute gun player and one of the great cv's. It doesn't matter much but it would have had more emotion if he retired with the Hawks.

 

[Beutbrute]

Absolute gun.

Did the AFL ever talk about the salary cap implications of recruiting someone with the promise of a post-career coaching position? There's a loophole big enough to drive a truck through.

Yes they did
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...l/news-story/605daed77199fb2fe525089fcb0a0782

 

[Hens Hall]

Phenomenal career all things considered.

Show what a great footy brain coupled with skills, dedication and hard work can achieve.

Legend!

 

[chiwigi]

How so?

C'arn!
Hey player, we are a ridiculously rich club, but unfortunately have to adhere to a stupid salary cap. Come here for a small amount and we promise you a very well paid job when your contract is up. We can then spend that money on others in our salary cap.

Not saying this happened with Mitchell, but c'arn!

 

[hawkman]

Absolute gun.

Did the AFL ever talk about the salary cap implications of recruiting someone with the promise of a post-career coaching position? There's a loophole big enough to drive a truck through.

Given that there is a footy department cap as well, i guess they believe that will cover it

 

[Wesley2]

One of the most natural players I've ever seen.

WC must be VERY hopeful and excited for father-son prospect..

 

[schmuttt]

Absolute superstar, loved watching him and Hodge play. Mitchell was always average athletically but such a brilliant natural footballer.