Full Name: MICHAEL MITCHELL
Date of Birth: 25/11/1961
Height: 173 cm ( 5-8 )
Weight: 66 kg ( 10-6 )
Guernsey: 7
Debut: 29/03/1987, Round 1, West Coast
Last Game: 24/08/1991, Round 23, Collingwood
RICHMOND SENIORS
Seasons: 1987-91
Total Games: 81
Total Goals: 103
Honours:
RICHMOND RESERVES
Seasons: 1991
Total Games: 2
Total Goals: 1
Honours:
BIOGRAPHY
Michael was a wingman and half-forward. He originally started playing football with Carnarvon before moving to West Australian League team Claremont where he spent five seasons. He was joint winner of the 1984 “Sandover Medal” for Competition Best and Fairest and in 1985 he ran second in the same award.
He was a regular member of the West Australian State team where he exelled, gaining selection in the 1984 and 1986 All-Australian teams. He moved to Richmond in 1987 and it did not take him long to display his natural talent. He was one of the quickest players ever to represent Richmond and his dashes with the ball were both breathtaking and match-winning. For a small, lightly built player, he was a strong tackler. He would use his pace to chase down opponents so that when he laid a tackle he would be at top speed.
He also had an incredible spring which was highlighted by the fact that he took the mark of the year in both Victoria and Western Australia. The mark he took in Western Australia was completed standing on his opponent’s back. He completed a unique double in 1990 by kicking the goal of the year and taking the mark of the year. His goal consisted of running three-quarters of the Sydney Cricket Ground bouncing his way around the outer side before kicking a goal. The mark of the year consisted of flying over the back of a pack of Fitzroy players and juggling the ball one handed. His highest individual goal tally with Richmond was 5 against Sydney in Round 14, 1988 and North Melbourne in Round 18 of 1988. He also ran second in the 1988 Best and Fairest award.
He is one of many Aboriginal players who have represented Richmond over recent years. In the latter part of his career, he suffered several bouts of concussion, which eventually took their toll on his effectiveness. In 1992, he returned to Western Australia after retiring from football. He went to Ireland as part of the Gaelic Tour several years ago. Away from football, Michael is a very keen student of the game of chess.
PRE RICHMOND
Carnarvon Juniors 1972-81 ; Claremont 1982-86, Games 88, Goals 135 ( Honours - Equal Competition Best & Fairest " Sandover Medal " 1984, West Australian Representative Team Games 7 Goals 12, All-Australian Team 1984,1986 ).
POST RICHMOND
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