The Association is saddened to hear of the passing of Essendon champion, Hugh Mitchell.
Hugh was a superb forward and later ruck-rover who came to Essendon from the Moonee Imperials. He made his senior debut for Essendon in 1953 with a meteoric rise to senior football and the start of a magnificent 224 game career.
He was a clever position player, able to slip his opponents and create opportunities. He was supremely fit, able to run all day – he was the first great Essendon ruck-rover of the modern era.
Hugh played in EFC’s 1962 & 1965 Premierships and won EFC’s Best and Fairest award in 1959 and the W. R. Crichton Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Services in 1961. He was also EFC vice-captain in 1963 and EFC’s leading goal kicker in 1955,1961 and 1964. Hugh won many other EFC’s awards across his career, reflecting this consistent good form and value to the team. He also finished equal third in the Brownlow Medal in 1959 and was also selected in the Victorian State side in 1959 -1962. Hugh was also #47 in the Champions of Essendon and inducted in EFC’s Hall of Fame in 2012.
Post Football, Hugh became well known as a football commentator on 3KZ and then a television commentator on the ABC.
An amazing player and person.
Condolences to the Mitchell family.
Rest in Peace Hugh.
