Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes believes Carlton would be an 'ideal' fit for star Hawthorn midfielder Tom Mitchell.

The Hawks are languishing in 17th position on the AFL ladder after 10 rounds as the club undergoes a full scale rebuild.

But the 27-year old Mitchell continues to find the footy at will despite his team's struggles, averaging 34.6 disposals in 2021, including a season-high 44 touches against the Blues on the weekend.

It has raised questions about the 2018 Brownlow medallist's value to the Hawks and if they should consider moving him to a rival club for draft capital.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Tom Mitchell of the Hawks runs with the ball from Dion Prestia of the Tigers during the AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images)

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Speaking on Channel Nine's Footy Classified on Monday night, Cornes named Carlton as a club that could use his services in the midfield as a perfect complimentary piece to Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh.

โ€œI think if you put him into a midfield like Carlton to support Cripps and Walsh, thatโ€™d be ideal,โ€ Cornes said.

โ€œIf thereโ€™s a market for Brad Crouch, Tom Mitchellโ€™s a better player than Brad Crouch. Itโ€™s a first-round draft pick, I donโ€™t know where that sits.โ€

The Blues are in win-now mode after adding star power in the off-season, acquiring Zac Williams and Adam Saad to bolster their side in a bid to play finals footy.

However, Williams struggled in a new midfield role in the early rounds and has been recently moved back to his customary half back position, where he looks more comfortable.

Furthermore, the likes of Paddy Dow and Will Setterfield have struggled to step up with more onball opportunities.

It has led to some discussion that David Teague's could still be a midfielder short, ranking 13th in the AFL in total disposals, currently sitting 12th overall with a 4-6 record.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: Sam Walsh of the Blues in action during the 2019 AFL round 13 match between the Carlton Blues and the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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Would a Mitchell-to-Carlton-trade in exchange for draft pick/s be a win-win for both clubs?

Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd isn't convinced that Mitchell is still a bona fide midfield star of the competition due to his kick-to-handball ratio. Of his 34.6 average disposals, 12.5 of them have come by foot, compared to 22.1 by hand.

Lloyd believes he might be better served at a new club as its second or third best onballer.

โ€œWeโ€™re watching his stats at the moment and itโ€™s a lot of handball. I just think you wonder what Tom wants,โ€ Lloyd said onย Footy Classified.ย 

โ€œDoes Tom want to be at a side that can potentially win a premiership? He left Sydney thinking, โ€˜Hawthorn, Iโ€™m a chance to win a premiershipโ€™, and now heโ€™s thinking itโ€™s a long road back.

โ€œIt could be a win-win for both. Iโ€™d love to see him watch Clayton Oliver and I know Iโ€™m a Brownlow Medallist, but how can I evolve to take my game to the next level. It is kicking more and kicking a few more goals.

โ€œHeโ€™s better than a complementary piece, but heโ€™s not a Bontempelli, Petracca type that you build your team around.โ€