HAWTHORN midfielder Sam Mitchell is one of the best three players of the modern era at kicking on both feet, according to former Richmond star Matthew Richardson.

In this week's episode of The Whiteboard on AFL.com.au, Richardson uses exclusive ISO-cam vision from the Hawks' round 12 win over the Brisbane Lions to closely analyse Mitchell's game.

He says only Leon Cameron and Darren Jarman have matched the 29-year-old when it comes to wheeling onto either side of his body.

"He is elite on both his left and right foot," Richardson says of Mitchell.

"I have it on good authority that as a junior he was a left-footer and practised on his right so much he became equally proficient.

"I actually thought he was a right-footer, so it just shows how good he is."

Richardson also looks at Mitchell's brilliance at stoppages, crediting his strong build, low centre of gravity and ability to free his hands with his high contested possession and clearance rates. Mitchell is number one at the Hawks in both statistics.

Richardson also praises the three-time club best and fairest winner for his defensive work.

"Often if you're the number one midfielder and you're being tagged, you can get away from this stuff a little bit because you're always trying to break the tag and think about how you're going to get your next possession," the former Tiger says.

"Sam doesn't do that … he's always been a leader in [chasing and tackling].

"He does all the polished stuff as well, but it's great to see him doing the one percenters."

Watch The Whiteboard to see Richardson's full breakdown of Mitchell's game.