Hawthorn has revealed that head coach Sam Mitchell will be phased back into the hot seat at Waverley after the Brownlow medallist was hospitalised with severe pneumonia over the Christmas break.
Mitchell spent a portion of the seasonal break in a New York hospital after contracting the infection during a family break to the United States.
While still overseas, Hawthorn's Executive GM of Football Rob McCartney explained that Mitchell would return to work slowly, as per medical advice from his doctors both at home and abroad.
“Sam's health has continued to improve following his discharge from hospital and he is now in the position to return with his family to Melbourne later this week. Whilst this is a positive step, Sam will still need some more time to return to full fitness and health,” McCartney said by way of an official club statement.
“Sam will initially have a phased return to his role as senior coach, spending time in our program early in the week whilst also continuing to have the rest that is required for him to return quickly to full health.”
“Over the past two seasons, we have built an experienced and skilled coaching group. I'm extremely confident that when Sam is not present in the program they will continue to prepare our group so we are ready to perform when the 2024 season starts.”
“Our priority at the moment is ensuring that Sam recovers to full health as quickly as possible, and we are confident that this phased return will support this.”
Mitchell has led the Hawks since the commencement of the 2022 season, with the club legend steering his rebuilding side to a 15-30 record across the stretch.