Collingwood premiership midfielder Tom Mitchell was not seen after the Anzac Day match last year because of ongoing problems with his feet.
Following an outstanding first year with the Collingwood Football Club in 2023, which ended with a long-awaited championship, Mitchell, along with his team, struggled during the defense of their title when injuries began to plague them in the subsequent season.
The previous player who was part of the Hawks team appeared six times throughout 2024 but was substituted twice due to ankle issues and a persistent case of plantar fasciitis that he had been dealing with.
Shortly after being sidelined due to a foot injury, Mitchell needed an appendectomy, further extending his absence from the team. Two months later, the Pies announced that the 2018 Brownlow Medal winner had undergone surgery on the plantar fascia of his left foot, keeping him out for an additional eight weeks.
By August, Collingwood had effectively ended his season.
"When things go awry, you've got to embrace those feelings," Mitchell stated in his vodcast. Ball Magnets alongside Carlton captain Patrick Cripps .
Before the 2025 season commenced, Mitchell was set on getting back to his peak performance. It seemed he had left behind the persistent foot problem that derailed his previous year’s efforts.
However, as he explains, despite being 31 years old, he found himself climbing the roller coaster, only to descend again due to a bone stress injury in December soon after resuming running. Subsequently, before Round 2, he faced yet another hurdle with an issue in his right ankle, distinct from his earlier left plantar fascia problem.
Mitchell has resumed running but follows an adjusted regimen as he gradually increases his workload.
However, the golfer who uses three clubs has chosen to look at his disappointing injury issues from a optimistic angle, highlighting the chance he’s had to “broaden” his focus onto other aspects of his life.
Mitchell mentioned that he particularly attempted to broaden his horizons during this rehabilitation period.
Many positive aspects have emerged from (the injury). It has opened up new opportunities for me. I’ve participated in some football coverage with Channel 7. Additionally, I’m involved in producing more podcasts as part of our current work. Ball Magnets. Coaching the younger players at the football club has given me extra time to concentrate on their development.
I actually completed the opposite task (a preview against Carlton). Nathan Murphy out.
And so, aiming to be altruistic with this and repay the kindness I have received.
Seeking out opportunities is beneficial; that’s how I’ve developed.