Swans boss hails on-baller Mitchell

SYDNEY coach John Longmire has lavished former charge Tom Mitchell with praise, saying no AFL midfielder is better at winning contested ball.

Mitchell’s 50-possession effort against Collingwood was one of the talking points of Round 9 of the AFL season, with Magpies coach Nathan Buckley among those suggesting the Hawthorn on-baller “wasn’t hurting” the opposition despite some impressive numbers.

Mitchell returns to the SCG on Friday night for the first time since leaving the Swans after the 2016 grand final.

It is a venue he called home for five seasons before requesting a trade as part of the club’s salary-cap squeeze.

Longmire will be excused for looking on longingly.

“In a one-on-one situation he’s as good as there is,” Longmire said of Mitchell, who is averaging 35.9 disposals a game this season.

“He always has been since he’s been a kid ... he’s been in very consistent form and is almost at the peak of his powers.

“I know as good as anyone how good a player Tommy Mitchell can be and how he can find the footy.”