KANE Mitchell might not have the profile of some of his high-flying Claremont teammates, but is as important as anybody in the side that is clear on top of the ladder and the premiership favourites.
The 20-year-old originally from Geraldton but who came right through the Tigers' ranks before graduating to colts, reserves and league football might look like he should be in an acting role somewhere or in a Tom Alvin scrapbook, but is in the middle of an outstanding season.
Mitchell made his league debut late in 2008 before cementing himself in the side last season under coach Simon McPhee and now this year he has taken another massive leap forward to lay claim to being the best run-with player in the competition who is also more than capable of winning his own football.
In Saturday's 103-point win over East Perth at Claremont Oval, Mitchell was given the big job on former Essendon star Andrew Lovett and not only kept him to 12 disposals and no influence on the game, but picked up 29 touches and kicked a goal himself in a brilliant display.
Mitchell set himself for the contest with some one-on-one work with exciting forward Ian Richardson and was happy with how it came off, but even happier with the team's win to stay clear on top of the ladder.
"We set ourselves for East Perth this week because we knew that their season was on the line and that they needed to win to keep in touch with the four, even though they still are. We knew that they would come out hard so we tried to match them and got away with a good win," Mitchell said.
"He (Lovett) is a class player obviously having played plenty of games in the AFL with Essendon so I knew he would be a clean player and very silky. I actually did a bit of one-on-one stuff with Richo this week to practice before playing on him because I knew he'd go forward and on the wing.
"He was my first player with that sort of AFL reputation that I've played on so it was an excellent challenge for me and hopefully I did a good job."
Mitchell never played the defensive roles he is doing now coming through the ranks, but the best thing about his game is that not only does he do the job of shutting down the opposition's best ball-winner each week, but he's damaging the other way.
He has averaged 22 possessions so far this season and kicked seven goals, stats that would make him a strong contributor even without his stopping roles, but he enjoys the challenge running with quality players presents.
"It can be tough if you let it be. I've been running with guys for a year now and your first mindset has to be to stop your opponent getting the ball. Then as soon as we get it then I've got to spread. Langey (Adam Lange) has been working with me on how to do that and obviously if I can get the ball myself it puts more pressure on who I'm playing on so that helps the team," Mitchell said.
"Through juniors I didn’t really have a defensive mindset and through colts that is all they wanted to hammer into me. The club helped me to work on my defensive side and they realised that I could actually run with people. Last year Macca gave me an opportunity and I did an OK job, so he's just letting me keep going with it."
Motivation certainly isn’t a problem at Tigerland either with Claremont not having won a premiership since 1996, played finals since 2007 and with plenty of depth with the likes of Ian Rowe, Nic Chidgzey, Callum Walley and Dylan Ross pushing for a spot in the side.
"We've got a lot of motivation from within ourselves because the last couple of years we haven’t tracked too well. We know what it feels like to not be on the end of wins so we can motivate ourselves pretty well," he said.
"We've got a great twos side with guys like Ian Rowe, Cal Walley and Dyl Ross pushing up so it's good that they are playing good footy. That makes us play even better because we know that when our twos play well our league side plays even better."
Coming through at Claremont the last few years Mitchell has had a host of star veterans to look up to and he rates Sandover Medallist and three-time fairest and best winner Jaxon Crabb as the best role model, while current captain Clancy Rudeforth is right up there.
Mitchell also came through the ranks with guys like Jake Murphy and Ross, and it's enjoyable now playing at senior level with them.
"Jaxon Crabb last year unfortunately retired, but he definitely helped us young guys at training and would talk us through things, and Ruda with his leadership and way he plays is great. Another one is Ian Richardson. His work rate around the club is great and every single night he's either working in the gym or on his skills," Mitchell said.
"Jake Murphy and myself played against each other in juniors so now to be playing alongside each other is great. We work just as hard as one another at the club so it's good to share that with him, as well as guys like Dylan Ross who I'm sure will come back up soon."
Claremont now travels to Wagin on Saturday to take on reigning premiers South Fremantle. Despite the Bulldogs' injury woes, Mitchell is expecting a tough challenge and will likely get the job on either Kris Miller or Ashton Hams.
"It will be an interesting game. Last time we played a country game we lost so hopefully we can redeem ourselves, but I'm actually from the country so I do enjoy country footy. I'm looking forward to hearing a few horns when we kick goals," he said.
"Kris Miller is usually their main go-to guy, or Ashton Hams if he plays. They are both great players and I never take any week lightly. Every single team has class players so it's always a challenge."
