tom mitchell afl retirement

Tom Mitchell AFL Retirement: End of an Era for Brownlow Medallist

The AFL community is reflecting on the remarkable career of Tom Mitchell, with the former Brownlow Medallist officially announcing his retirement from the elite competition.

After a three-club journey spanning Sydney, Hawthorn, and Collingwood, the 32-year-old midfielder has hung up the boots. While his time at the Pies concluded with a delisting at the end of the 2025 season, the announcement marks the end of a career defined by an insatiable appetite for the football and a legacy as one of the modern game's greatest ball-winners.

A Career Defined by the Sherrin

It is a career that has officially come to a close. According to official reports from afl.com.au, Mitchell has retired after playing 207 AFL games across three sides. The 32-year-old was delisted by Collingwood at the end of the season, but rather than seeking a fourth club, he has chosen to call time on his tenure in the league.

Mitchell’s career was built on consistency and an unparalleled ability to find the football. He finishes the game as a genuine midfielder of the modern mould—combining elite endurance with a clean first possession. While his final season was challenging, his overall output stands as a testament to his ability.

The Numbers Behind the Greatness

To understand Mitchell's impact, one must look at the statistics. Over his 207 games, he was a volume player in an era where contested ball was king.

• The Brownlow Year (2018): In his first season at Hawthorn, Mitchell produced one of the greatest individual seasons in VFL/AFL history. He polled 28 votes to claim the Brownlow Medal, shattering records with 798 disposals for the season—an average of 33.3 per game.
• Elite Averages: Throughout his career, Mitchell averaged over 34 disposals on three separate occasions. This consistency made him a fantasy football staple and a nightmare for opposition coaches trying to halt his influence in the midfield.
• Three-Club Journey: He began his career at the Sydney Swans (2012-2016), before moving to Hawthorn (2017-2022), where he established himself as a bona fide star. He finished his career at Collingwood (2023-2025), where he played a pivotal role in the 2023 premiership victory.

The Announcement and Tributes

The news broke on Wednesday, with official club channels confirming the retirement. Hawthorn Football Club released a statement congratulating the midfielder on an outstanding career. Mitchell spent six seasons at the Hawks, playing 106 games and winning three Peter Crimmins Medallist awards as the club's best and fairest player.

"Tommitch" was widely regarded as a character of the rooms and a leader on the field. At Collingwood, he transitioned from being the primary ball-winner to a complementary piece in a star-studded midfield, a move that ultimately helped the club secure the 2023 premiership.

While the official retirement was announced on Wednesday, the lead-up to this moment was a storyline throughout the 2025 season. As noted by SEN, Mitchell took to social media to share an emotional message to Magpies supporters following his delisting. It was a moment that acknowledged the difficult end to his time at the Pies, yet celebrated the journey.

A "No Fairytale Finish"

It is important to acknowledge the reality of his final seasons. As reported by various outlets, Mitchell’s time at Collingwood in 2024 and 2025 was challenging. After playing a key role in the 2023 premiership, he struggled to maintain his spot in the senior side over the latter half of 2025.

Reports from the Herald Sun and other outlets highlighted that there was "no fairytale finish" for the Brownlow Medallist. He was delisted by Collingwood at the end of last year following two difficult seasons. Despite this, his commitment to the sport remained unwavering until the final decision was made.

"I’d like to thank Tom for his contribution to the Hawks," Hawthorn CEO Rob Klein said in a statement. "He was a fantastic player who gave his all for the brown and gold."

Contextual Background: The Evolution of a Midfield Bull

To appreciate Tom Mitchell’s career, one must understand the evolution of the AFL midfield. When Mitchell debuted for Sydney in 2012, the game was transitioning away from pure clearance specialists. By the time he won his Brownlow in 2018 with Hawthorn, he had perfected the art of the "two-way midfielder"—someone who could win the ball at stoppages and spread to provide an outlet.

The Sydney Years (2012-2016)

Mitchell was drafted by Sydney as a father-son selection (his father Barry Mitchell played for the Swans and Carlton). In his early years, he struggled to break into a star-studded Swans midfield featuring Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack, and Dan Hannebery. It wasn't until 2015 that he truly broke out, signalling the need for a move to get more game time.

The Hawthorn Peak (2017-2022)

Trading to Hawthorn was the catalyst for his superstardom. In Alastair Clarkson’s system, and later Sam Mitchell’s (his cousin), he was the engine room. His 2018 season remains a statistical anomaly in modern football. He was relentless, often racking up 40+ disposals in a losing side, highlighting his individual dominance.

The Collingwood Chapter (2023-2025)

Joining the Magpies in late 2022, Mitchell faced the pressure of filling the void left by Adam Treloar. However, his impact was immediate. In the 2023 premiership year, he averaged nearly 29 disposals a game. He provided the class and calm ball use that balanced the ferocity of players like Taylor Adams and Scott Pendlebury. While his final two seasons were less impactful, his contribution to that flag is undeniable.

Immediate Effects: The Landscape Post-Mitchell

Mitchell’s retirement leaves a void in the narrative of the AFL, particularly for the "pure midfielder" archetype. In an era where rotation limits and high-press tactics have made accumulating 30+ disposals increasingly difficult, Mitchell’s career serves as a benchmark for ball-winning midfielders.

Impact on Collingwood

For Collingwood, the immediate effect was felt during the 2025 season. As Mitchell’s form fluctuated, the club began to blood younger talents in the midfield rotation. His delisting and subsequent retirement open up salary cap space and list management flexibility. The club has already moved on, with the focus shifting to the next generation of Magpies, including the Daicos brothers.

Impact on the Broader AFL

For the competition, it signifies a changing of the guard. Mitchell was one of the last active players from the 2012 draft class who remained a dominant force for over a decade. His retirement, alongside other veterans in recent years, accelerates the youth movement across the league.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Tom Mitchell?

While his playing days are over, the future for Tom Mitchell remains bright within the football ecosystem. Based on trends seen with former midfielders of his calibre, several pathways are likely:

1. Media and Broadcasting: Mitchell has always been articulate and analytical regarding the game. His insights into midfield structure and ball movement make him a prime candidate for commentary roles, potentially with SEN or Fox Footy.
2. Coaching: Having played under master coaches like Alastair Clarkson, Sam Mitchell, and Craig McRae, Mitchell possesses a deep tactical understanding. While he has not announced immediate coaching plans, the transition from player to development coach or midfield assistant is a common trajectory for players of his intelligence.
3. Community and Business: Like many modern players, Mitchell has cultivated interests outside of football. His focus will likely shift to personal ventures and family life, balancing his time away from the high