Tom Mitchell open to depart Hawks for Victorian club

The Brownlow medallist reportedly wants out of Waverley Park, and there’s a surprise contender leading the charge.

STAFF WRITER | June 8, 2021 - 9:41am

In heartbreaking news for Hawthorn fans, serial ball-winner Tom Mitchell will not say no should he be called to leave the club in the near future.

The 28-year-old is part of a Hawthorn side that is arguably the furthest from a premiership than any other team in the competition, and by all accounts wouldn't be opposed to leaving the club he has been at since 2017.

According to Fox Sports News' Tom Morris, the ex-Swan could be nominated by the club to leave as there are rumours swirling that the Hawks management are looking to oust an established player to make room on their list.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 03: Tom Mitchell of the Hawks recovers after a sprint during a Hawthorn Hawks AFL training session at Xavier College on December 03, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Despite Mitchell's prolific ball-winning ability as an inside-mid, it is clear by these reports that no one is considered indispensable to Alastair Clarkson and his staff.

To make matters worse for the Hawks faithful, it is said that Punt Road could be the destination for Mitchell, with the Tigers' recent success meaning a much better chance of snagging a premiership medal.

There is no question that Tom Mitchell would be a huge addition to any club he chooses to call home, with the sheer amount of possessions he racks up a great asset to any side.

In 2017, Mitchell broke the VFL/AFL record for the most disposals in a single season, which was set at 749 possessions by Wayne Richardson, earning him his first All-Australian blazer.

2018 was his career-best season as he easily pocketed the Brownlow Medal with another All-Australian spot added to his growing list of accolades.

However, since 2019 the Hawks have been on the decline, and with many of their major stars retiring or moving to greener pastures, the club find themselves in the worst position they've been in for some time.

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)

It is understood that the midfielder will leave on a mutually beneficial agreement, however seeing as he is out of contract in 2023, any buying club will have to submit a trade for him.

The Tigers have two first-round and two second-round picks to offer the Hawks should they come knocking, along with any of their players they wish to use as sweetener.

Carlton are rumoured to be a possible destination for Mitchell, with his close bond to the club in the form of his father Barry playing with the Blues in the 1990's for two seasons.

Furthermore, Blues co-captain Patrick Cripps is Mitchell's business partner, meaning that the lure of playing at his father's old side and being amongst established friends could be enough.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Patrick Cripps of the Blues in action during the 2021 AFL Round 01 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 18, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

With star forward Harry McKay being linked heavily with a plethora of suitors, the departure of him in trade period could free up space that was allocated to McKay in the event he signed to snag Mitchell.

Nevertheless, this story is set to only get more interesting and will develop a lot more in the lead-up to trade period 2021, with Mitchell hoping to keep his performances up to keep himself in the shop window.