Russell Mitchell (footballer)

Russell Mitchell (born 17 June 1964) is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Geelong in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Russell Mitchell
Personal information
Date of birth (1964-06-17) 17 June 1964 (age 60)
Original team(s) Bell Post Hill
Height 185 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight 73 kg (161 lb)
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1985–1986 Geelong 2 (0)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1986.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Mitchell played his early football at Bell Post Hill in the Geelong & District Football League.[1] He had appeared in only three reserves games for Geelong in 1985 when he was named to make his senior debut, against North Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, in round 16.[2][3] Geelong won the match by 40 points and Mitchell, who was on the field for only one quarter, didn't record a disposal.[2][4] He lost his place in the team the following round when Neville Bruns returned, after having his jaw broken by Leigh Matthews.[3] His only other senior game for Geelong came in the opening round of the 1986 VFL season, in a loss to Fitzroy at Kardinia Park.[2] He had 10 kicks and four handballs.[2]

He was cut from the Geelong list at the end of the 1986 season and left for the Bellarine Football League.[5]

Also a cricketer, Mitchell played over 400 matches for the Newtown & Chilwell Cricket Club and is a life member of the club.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Holmesby, Russell; Main, Jim (2007). The Encyclopedia Of AFL Footballers. BAS Publishing. ISBN 9781920910785.
  2. ^ a b c d "Russell Mitchell". AFL Tables.
  3. ^ a b "Number 57 - Russell Mitchell". Footy Almanac.
  4. ^ The Age, "Dons take a gamble", 26 July 1985, p. 30
  5. ^ The Age, "Devine builds a new Geelong on old values", 17 March 1987, p. 46
  6. ^ Geelong Advertiser, "Russell Mitchell is a cricket legend", 21 November 2008, Daniel Breen