Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has revealed he's "feeling better" after touching back down in Melbourne following a trip to the United States was marred by a battle with pneumonia.
Mitchell spent seven nights in a New York hospital during the Christmas period as he dealt with the infection, which delayed his return for the Hawks' pre-season restart.
The 41-year-old is set to return to his duties on Monday after arriving back in Australia. However, he won't spend full weeks at the club as he eases back into his role and continues his recovery.
The Hawks coach and club great has revealed he'll shed more light on his US trip in due course, thanking his wife Lyndall and others who were able to help in a time of need in the meantime.
"Feeling OK. Feeling better. It's a long flight so you're not getting me at my best, but I'm recovering, feeling better," Mitchell told 7 News Melbourne at the Airport.
"The story will come out in due course, (I'm) probably not ready to quite talk about it yet but it was a few rough days.
"... Spent a few days in hospital. My wife was juggling three kids in a hotel in a foreign city and me being in hospital. I think it was seven nights in the end.
"A lot of really good people helped. The medical system was fantastic over there and I'm fortunate to be home and pleased to be home."
Mitchell said there's "no rush" on his return to full-time coaching commitments but is excited to reunite with his players and fellow coaches ahead of his third season at the helm of the Hawks.
The young coach said he's only heard good things so far on Hawthorn's return to the track for 2024.
"I'll start to recover now and see how I come down after this flight, make sure I'm feeling OK and get back to work eventually, but no rush," Mitchell added
“I'm really happy with how the boys have come back, I've obviously been getting regular reports."
The Hawks are scheduled to face the Western Bulldogs on a pair of occasions as part of their pre-season fixture prior to their Round 1 bout with rivals Essendon at the MCG on Saturday, March 16.