By Jasper Bruce in Sydney

LATRELL Mitchell says he “faked being happy for 10 months” as his ultimately successful legal battle cast a long shadow over a tumultuous year.

Mitchell and soon-to-be South Sydney teammate Jack Wighton were charged in February for “fighting” outside a Canberra nightclub during celebrations for the latter’s birthday.

Charges were dismissed in early November after the most senior police officer in the duo’s arrest admitted he gave false evidence.

After being found not guilty, Mitchell described the charges and ensuing trial as a “traumatic experience”.

But he had not made his feelings about the legal ordeal known until appearing on the “Let’s Trot” podcast with former Rabbitohs teammate Josh Mansour on Wednesday.

“It was a long 10 months, it just dragged on,” the star fullback said.

“I knew I was innocent the whole time and just trying to prove that I was a good person and trying to fake being happy for 10 months was pretty hard. I’m glad it’s over.

“It’s something that’s been weighing on me for a long time and my family, probably my family more so.

“Mental drag and just a ball-and-chain that I didn’t need. I’ve got a lot of them hanging around.

“I’m happier now, I’m back to being Latrell Mitchell. I can’t wipe the smile off my face.”