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Live sport on SN this weekendThe team that has impressed this Brownlow Medallist the most
Andrew Slevison • July 24th, 2026 5:35 pm
Tom Mitchell has been most taken by what Melbourne has been able to achieve so far this season.
The 2018 Brownlow Medallist, who finished up with Collingwood at the end of 2025, loves how the Demons have exceeded expectations in Steven King’s first season in charge.
‘Titch’ was asked by Kane Cornes on SEN’s Locked In which team has impressed him the most.
And the answer was easy.
“Melbourne,” was Mitchell’s swift response.
“It’s pretty self-explanatory - expectation.
“If you think Coach of the Year, that discussion you guys had about Craig McRae. In the American sporting space it’s typically the team that wins the championships or finishes on top.
“But if everyone goes back and reviews their top eight and top 10, I’d like to see how many had Melbourne.
“Clearly they’ve exceeded everyone’s expectations. Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver go out and they’ve become better.
“Definitely Melbourne.”
The Dees under King currently sit sixth with a 12-6 record ahead of Friday night’s MCG clash with ninth-placed Geelong.
The club moved premiership midfielders Petracca and Oliver on last trade period with many expecting it would be detrimental to the club’s fortunes.
But to Mitchell it just shows that allowing gun players to exit when they want out is not always the worst idea.
“What I’ve also found fascinating is that two of the best players of this generation - Lance Franklin leaves Hawthorn (in 2013), they win the flag (in 2014),” he continued.
“Gary Ablett Junior leaves Geelong (in 2010), they win the flag (in 2011).
“So maybe that speaks volumes on how good and how strong those teams were. But there’s examples of the best players of this generation leaving and their clubs being fine.”
However, the star player exiting scenario doesn’t always work out perfectly and that may be the case for Port Adelaide if Zak Butters does up and leave.
“He’s too good of a player. I think it will have more impact on them because they don’t have the supporting cast of another six to eight All-Australian players,” Mitchell added.
“If you’re Port Adelaide you’re going to Richmond and playing a ruthless game.”
