Hawthorn star Tom Mitchell has credited AFL great Greg 'Diesel' Williams in helping him become one of the stars of the competition.
Mitchell, 25, capped off a magnificent individual season by claiming the 2018 Brownlow Medal after averaging over 35 disposals per match and leading the league for clearances.
The Hawks’ ball-magnet says dual Brownlow Medallist Williams played a key mentoring role during his time at Sydney.
“He was a huge influence on me and sort of mentored me away from the footy club during my time at Sydney,” Mitchell told SEN Breakfast.
“It was when I was struggling for confidence, I was playing a lot of reserves footy, I wasn’t really sure where my career was going and whether I was actually going to make it as a league footballer.
HAWTHORN’S TOM MITCHELL WINS THE 2018 BROWNLOW MEDAL
“He instilled that confidence in me and it was combination of working on my craft with my ball handling and handballing skills but also the mentality I needed to carry to become an elite player.
“I spent a lot of time with him and he definitely helped me get to where I am today.”
Mitchell finished last night’s count on 28 votes, four clear of Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom.
Listen to Tom Mitchell's chat on SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below