Universal Love Thanks Sam Mitchell. A true Hawthorn and AFL legend.

[Mr Chuckles]

Well, obviously the way it's come to pass has created understandable angst around these parts.

But the fact remains, the time has come to say farewell to one of Hawthorn's all time greats. Let's keep our thoughts on the trade elsewhere, and take some time out to honour the great man's achievements as a Hawk:

Premiership captain
4 x Premiership player
5 x B & F
3 x AA (stiff not to have a couple more)
Rising Star winner
220 Brownlow votes, polled in more individual games than any other player in league history

Any way you look at it, it's a stunning football CV, and it's been an absolute privilege to watch someone of Sam's caliber ply his trade at the Hawks for 15 seasons. The best player of the Clarkson era.

All the best Sam, and thanks for the memories. A season or two in an Eagles jumper will never change the fact that you'll be remembered as a true Hawthorn champion and legend.

 

[Smooth Banana]

Just read Sam's letter. That's what I call class. Hawthorn legend.

 

[benfranklin]

What a remarkable week. Best and fairest yet again at almost 34, and then gone in the blink of an eye.

I will miss Sam profoundly.

That side-step, those skills by hand and foot.

Please share your favourite memories and highlights of our champion so we can all reminisce.

 

[Gralin]

Fare thee well Champ

 

[EightyNineChamps]

A True Once in a Generation Player...

 

[HolyRioli]

On the plus side, I've now got a reason to go to Eagles games

 

[Hawk_francais]

My favourite Hawk

 

[moginie]

I am sure that everyone will welcome Sam with open arms when he is appointed our coach for the 2022 season.

I know I will.

 

[Roddy]

Sammy. Devastated you're gone, but a million congratulations on your truly illustrious career in the mighty brown and gold.
One of our greatest ever.

 

[ZAD1]

Best Hawk I have ever seen.

 

[Davo23]

I am sure that everyone will welcome Sam with open arms when he is appointed our coach for the 2022 season.

I know I will.

Yes, and now Sam's a West Coast player, the players will welcome him next year when we play them.

In fact, Hodge will surely give him a great "welcome" with an open elbow to the back of the head!

 

[benfranklin]

http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/video/2016-10-14/sam-mitchell-highlights-307-games

3:03 ish.... Right hand to left foot. Wtf are you doing and how are you this good at football.

 

[walhawk]

It feels like when a rock star hero like Prince or Bowie died.
Shock. Disbelief. Profound sadness. A tear or two. You listen to their songs for a day or two.
But, you realise their best is behind them, and their body of work remains for all time.
And you move on quickly.

Hopefully.

 

[HR Roughnstuf]

Best I have ever seen

It was great to give him a farewell game at hawks so all the supporters could show their appreciation

 

[wizzard400]

http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2016-10-14/sams-letter-to-fans


Sam's letter to fans


Firstly, I wanted to say thank you. It has been a honour to play for the brown and gold over the last 15 years and I appreciate all the support and opportunities that I have had throughout my time at the Hawks.

There are too many people to thank, and if I mentioned all the individuals this would turn into an essay, so to the players, coaches, medical and conditioning staff and everyone who has been with me over the journey - thank you. Okay maybe just a few individuals as well. Crawf, Vanders, Hodgey and Roughy – thank you for your ongoing support and friendship.

For most of you the news on Wednesday would have come as a shock, but hopefully you can understand the logic of this decision.

At 34, with a young family and perhaps my best footy behind me, this all makes sense and it opens doors in terms of my next dream to be a coach. Some of you will be angry and think the club and I have made a big mistake which I understand but emotion aside this is the right decision for myself and the football club.

My family is the most important part of my life; a new beginning excites us all, Lyndall, Smith, Emmerson and Scarlett.

The Hawthorn Football Club has treated me and my little clan with nothing but respect and as part of their extended family. Other than another premiership, I could not have asked for a better way for my time at Hawthorn to end.

As for me, the thought of pulling on a new jumper, while still a little strange, is a great opportunity and has reinvigorated me for a new challenge.

As a kid I dreamt of playing at the MCG, playing in premierships and running through banners. However, making it to 300 games, with the same club, is something not even kids dream of, let alone playing in four premierships.

I feel so fortunate and grateful for the last 15 years of memories.

To all of you, thank you for watching, cheering and supporting me over the journey. Thank you for all the good times and I even thank you for booing all the bad times; because every emotion that you have put into the Hawthorn Football Club has affected me and has made me want to achieve more and more.

I have loved it all and will always have brown and gold in my blood.

Yours sincerely,

Sam Mitchell

 

[Bardo State]

I don't think my brain will properly process this trade until I see him actually playing in another jumper. What he was able to do consistently on a footy field was special and unique. He was better than Judd for most of the journey and I don't care if anyone has anything to say otherwise.

 

[Realslimshady2]

Just read Sam's letter. That's what I call class. Hawthorn legend.

The way Sam and both clubs have handled this shows true class.

 

[Upgrayedd]

As much as he contributed to our club we owed him anything and everything. It hurts but in no way does this diminish anything hes done for us. I hope he dominates at the eagles for another 5 years.

 

[Realslimshady2]

http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/video/2016-10-14/sam-mitchell-highlights-307-games

3:03 ish.... Right hand to left foot. Wtf are you doing and how are you this good at football.

I tried doing this the other day in the park.... lets just say it wasnt pretty.

 

[PoopingHindi]

class till the very end. we're lucky to have had you Sam.

im sad for me but happy for him.
a proper send off would have been nice but i'll settle for him getting 30+ touches in a losing side next time we play the Eagles (pity it probably wont be in Melbourne though)

 

[KOLOKOTRONIS]

Best player since Dunstall. Articulate, measured, hard working and disciplined. As he aged he improved. Was a poor finals player early and became an absolute star when it mattered. A pleasure to watch and one of our all time greats.

Will be remembered fondly.

The Hawks will be in good hands on his imminent return.

KOLOKOTRONIS

 

[Arc1]

Some of you might remember the global campaign 'Save Locky's Dad' regarding Nick Auden, who passed away in 2013. The club and a number of HFC players got on board to support the campaign. Sadly, Nick's death was due to a melanoma - the same issue as what has since struck Jarryd Roughead. I know that many AFL players - some loved, some maligned - do a lot of charitable and selfless work outside footy which doesn't get much press. It's nothing special in that regard. But it's always special to the people impacted by that support. In December 2013, a service was held for Nick in Brighton; Sam Mitchell turned up, sat quietly by himself, and made a short statement to the media afterwards. Could not have been more unobtrusive or respectful. Good example of how a small thing you do in life can forever set other people's perspective of you. Can go and play for West Coast or do whatever he wants, so far as I'm concerned. He turned up when it mattered.

 

[MC_9]

 

[MC_9]

 

[MC_9]

He is an all time great.

Thanks for everything Sam.