Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell returns to football

PRESS RELEASE

31 March 2026

3 min read

Greensborough, Victoria – AFL Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell will make a highly anticipated return to the field on Good Friday (April 3), lining up for Greensborough Football Club in his first match since retiring from the AFL.

In a full-circle moment, Mitchell will take the field alongside his younger brother Will for the first time, with his newborn son Max watching on from the sidelines, wearing a custom Greensborough jumper with his dad’s iconic number 4.

The Good Friday clash between Greensborough and Eltham at War Memorial Park is expected to draw a crowd of 5,000 fans, turning a local rivalry into one of the biggest suburban games of the year.

The match also marks the beginning of a six-game regional tour supported by leading life and health insurer, AIA Australia, as part of its ‘Do It For Life’ campaign, calling for Australians to stick with the everyday healthy habits that lead to healthier, longer, better lives.

As an AIA Australia ambassador, Mitchell’s return to grassroots football brings the campaign to life by highlighting the role local clubs play in keeping Australians active, connected and well.

Mitchell said the return to community footy has reinforced the importance of staying active and connected beyond the elite level.

“Getting back to country footy is something I’ve really missed. It keeps you fit, keeps you grounded, and it’s great for your overall wellbeing, not just physically, but mentally too,” Mitchell said.

“To be able to run out with my brother for the first time, and have my son there in the crowd, makes it even more special. These are the moments you do it for.”

“Local clubs give people routine, connection and a real sense of belonging. That’s one of the reasons why they matter so much to so many.”

Through the five-match tour, Mitchell will visit regional communities in Victoria and Tasmania, celebrating the clubs, volunteers and families who are the backbone of grassroots football.

AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu said the partnership was one of the insurer’s latest steps to highlight the important role that grassroots sports have on the physical and mental health of the Australian community.

“At AIA Australia we’re passionate about empowering Australians to lead healthier, longer, better lives. We’re focused on health promotion and prevention activities that help people stay well.

“Grassroots sporting clubs inspire people in more ways than one. They bring players, volunteers, families and fans together for moments of connection and provide a sense of direction and purpose for many. These clubs are often the pillar of the community and rely heavily on volunteers.

“We’re proud to support Tom as he returns to local footy and shines a light on the people behind the clubs− the people who Do it for Life.”

EVENT DETAILS:

What: Greensborough v Eltham (Good Friday Clash)
Who: Tom Mitchell (Brownlow Medallist) playing alongside brother Will Mitchell
Where: War Memorial Park, Henry Street, Greensborough VIC
When: Friday 3 April, 2:10PM
Attendance: 4,000–5,000 expected

Media/General Enquiries:
Sean Sowerby – Sunday Gravy PR

0438 044 438 sean@sundaygravy.com.au

About AIA Australia

AIA Australia is a leading life insurance specialist with over 50 years’ experience and a purpose to make a difference in people’s lives. In 2014 the company launched AIA Vitality, a world leading, science-based health and wellbeing program, to the Australian market. In July 2017, AIA and its partners launched AIA’s health insurance business, now known as AIA Health Insurance.

In 2021, CommInsure Life was integrated into AIA Australia. The lives of more than 3.1 million Australians are protected and enhanced through AIA Australia’s unique value proposition of life, health and wellbeing. Our vision is to embrace shared value in championing Australia to be the healthiest and best protected nation in the world.

In pursuit of this, AIA Australia has developed AIA Embrace - a comprehensive wellbeing ecosystem of world-class products, programs and partnerships. These are designed to help customers, partners and the broader community to embrace better health and wellbeing.

In offering a broad range of health and wellbeing services to its customers, partners and broader community, AIA is proudly helping people lead healthier, longer, better lives.

AIA Australia is proud to have become a participant of the UN Global Compact in 2025, joining other like-minded organisations who are committed to supporting the sustainable development goals and ensuring a healthier, happier future for all.AIA Australia has been recognised with multiple awards, including the ANZIIF Life Insurance Company of the Year (2024, 2023, 2022), GoodCompany Award – Top 40 (2024), Women in Finance Employer of the Year Award (2018, 2019), Super Review’s Best Insurer of the Year (2018, 2019), FSC Life Insurance Industry Awards Innovation in Group Life Insurance (2021), Shared Value Awards Organisation of the Year (2020) and Shared Value Project of the Year (2021).

Further information at www.aia.com.au.

Copyright © 2026 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information is current as at 31 March 2026 and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.