E. Jack Mitchell

Recruited from Mentone in the Federal League, Eric "Jack" Mitchell was a medium-sized utility who earned a brief opportunity with Hawthorn during the club's struggling "Mayblooms" era. He broke into the senior side midway through the 1936 season, managing seven appearances in a year where the Hawks won only four games, though he failed to hit the scoreboard during his stint at the top level. While he could not cement a long-term place in the VFL, Mitchell demonstrated his genuine footballing class upon returning to his original club the following year. He immediately re-established himself as a dominant local player, capping his career by winning the prestigious Federal League Best and Fairest award in 1937, proving himself a standout talent in Melbourne's suburban competition.