UPDATE 12:39pm: Hawthorn officials have confirmed Tom Mitchell has suffered a severe broken leg. He is set to undergo surgery and will likely miss the entirety of the 2019 season.
EARLIER: Bloody shocking news for Hawks fans and probably perversely good news for everyone else: Reigning Brownlow Medalist Tom Mitchell has reportedly broken his leg at a Hawthorn pre-season training session this morning, and has been rushed to hospital for treatment.
[jwplayer M7R1tI9l]
Reports from the Herald Sun suggest the gun midfielder and recently crowned best player in the AFL went down in an innocuous tackling drill at Waverley Park this morning. It was Hawthorn’s first training session after returning from their Christmas break.
An ambulance was called to Waverley prior to 11am, with the vehicle having to drive onto the surface of the ground in order to attend to Mitchell. Hawthorn’s club doctor accompanied the 25-year-old to hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
There are fears the break is severe, which could have significant implications not only for Mitchell’s 2019 season, but the Hawks season as a whole.
Players gathered around each other in solemn scenes after Mitchell was transported away.
@HawthornFC Players huddle at Waverley Park after Tom Mitchell is taken to hospital with a broken leg @7NewsMelbourne pic.twitter.com/YUtaVdfEQR
— Jacqueline Felgate (@Jacquifelgate) January 11, 2019
An unidentified man reportedly watching training spoke to SEN, stating that the scene was “grim” and that trainers had been working to immobilise Mitchell’s leg.
An @1116sen caller was at Hawthorn training when Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell suffered a suspected broken leg. pic.twitter.com/tYawAlN94w
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) January 11, 2019
Hawthorn is yet to issue public comment on the incident, but a statement is expected in the coming hours.
The Hawks’ 2019 season is scheduled to begin on Saturday, March 23rd against the Adelaide Crows.
