1992 Western Australia Newspaper under heading ” Mitchell made history before injury cut career.”
The night the reputation of the Sandover Medal was tarnished and the image of the WAFL and fans diminished. It is doubtful the WAFC will ever make the mistake of 1984 and invite the public to the Sandover Medal count and presentation. The night was historic with a three way tie and medals presented to Steve Malaxos, Michael Mitchell and Peter Spencer. The Commission were cught out as they only had two medals not three as required and Spencer opted to wait to receive his second Sandover Medal.
About 3000 fans attended the night and sullied the occasion by jeering players from rival clubs which made the night a flop. Now malaxos is an Assistant coach of Sydney, Spencer is a coach at Aquinas and part time media commentator. Mitchell returned to Carnarvon after a career cut short by injury.
Mitchell was claimed by a Melbourne Club in 1986 and played a practice match against North Melbourne where he was ‘Mugged’ a received a serious head injury. He had to wear a helmet after that but retired from football 2 years later never quite getting over that injury.
