Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell has revealed how the GWS Giants delivered a massive pitch to him before he was drafted by Sydney as a father-son.
Speaking on AFL Trade Radio, Mitchell said before committing to the Sydney Swans as a father-son recruit, he was offered a long-term deal by the Giants as a 16-year-old.
"The Giants, in their first year entering the competition, offered me a five-year deal," Mitchell said.
"The first two years were the CBA, which would have been roughly $80,000 (a year) plus match payments.
"But the money for the remaining three years was the most jaw-dropping feeling in my life.
"It wasn't quite a million dollars, but it wasn't too far away."
Mitchell also revealed an unusual element to the pitch by GWS, which involved a close family member.
"The big draw card from the Giants as well, which my dad never put any pressure on me in this regard, but they were going to offer him the head coaching job of the Giants as well if I signed there," he said.
Barry Mitchell, Tom's father, played 170 matches for the Swans and a handful of games at Collingwood and Carlton.
He transitioned into coaching at Carlton in 2003 before moving to Hawthorn and playing a part of the Hawks' premiership success in 2008.
At the time of this contract offer, Mitchell and his family were living in Perth with Barry serving as assistant coach at Fremantle.
