 He polled 31 votes in just 11 games to win the VFL's best and fairest award, the J. J. Liston Trophy.In 2003 Mitchell continued to improve, winning the 2003 AFL Rising Star award and becoming known as "the Extractor" (particularly by commentator Brian Taylor) for his high amount of clearances and ability to win the ball out of middle of the ground.A solid season followed in 2004, and in 2005 he played a "super" season until a foot injury sidelined him in round 15.