AFL Rising Star

Seamus Mitchell Hawthorn

Seamus Mitchell’s AFL prospects looked grim at the end of last season, having not been close to senior selection in two injuryriddled seasons at Hawthorn.

So much so that he was delisted by the Hawks, only to earn a reprieve through the Rookie Draft.

It has proved to be a brilliant decision. Since making his debut in round five, Mitchell has been a revelation as a quick, skilled and smart running defender, and his consistent form has earned him the round 17 AFL Rising Star nomination.

Mitchell, 21, collected 20 disposals and five intercept possessions in the 13-point loss to the GWS Giants last