Birchall’s nightmare continued through 2018 and he didn’t play any football courtesy of a persistent PCL complaint. A late-season push to be available for the finals resulted in an adductor injury and, in the end, he ran out of time. Hopefully, his knee can withstand the rigours of senior football, but Alastair Clarkson remains in no doubt how much value he brings when fully fit with his run, organisation and clever disposal out of the backline. Player honours: 2nd best and fairest 2014; 3rd best and fairest 2011, 2012; All-Australian 2012; All-Australian nominee 2011, 2014; International Rules Series 2014, 2015; NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2006; premiership sides 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015. Brownlow Medal: career votes 22. Draft history: 2005 NAB AFL Draft 1st round selection (Hawthorn) No. 14 overall.Player sponsorship Gold Tassie Hawks Supporters GroupAT A Glance Junior Club: Devonport (TAS) Clubs: - Debut: 2006 Recruited from: Tasmania U18 Brownlow votes: 22
