Sam Mitchell is steering properly clear of constructing daring predictions about Hawthorn’s regeneration as he takes cost of the AFL membership’s new period.
Mitchell oversaw day one of many Hawks’ pre-season marketing campaign on Monday as 5 new draftees joined a smattering of senior gamers, together with Jack Gunston and James Sicily.
The two skilled stars are in line to return from lengthy damage layoffs subsequent season to bolster the Hawks’ probabilities of climbing again up the ladder after three years out of the finals.
Mitchell, whose handover from teaching legend Alastair Clarkson was introduced ahead, is hoping to encourage Hawthorn’s giant membership base as he settles into the new seat a 12 months sooner than anticipated.
But the 39-year-old rookie coach isn’t placing particular expectations on his group for 2022 as he makes an attempt to place the constructing blocks in place for future success.
“Expectations is (the media’s) area – we won’t be worrying too much about that,” Mitchell mentioned on Monday.
“We’ll be placing our plans collectively and attempting to verify everybody is aware of what one another are doing on the sphere, and we’ll be attempting to play the most effective footy that we are able to.
“We don’t have a clue what that may appear to be and also you guys (the media) may have loads of concepts about what you suppose that may be, however we received’t know that till March on the earliest.
“We’re going to try our very, very best to get aligned, get on the same page and figure out the game style that will give us the best chance for success.”
Sicily missed the whole 2021 season with a knee damage and Gunston managed only one recreation due to again points, however Mitchell is hopeful the 2 leaders can be match and firing subsequent 12 months.
The Hawks will take a gradual and regular method with Gunston, who is ready to renew ball work subsequent week.
“He’s running well and he’s keen to get involved,” Mitchell mentioned.
“I feel final time he was attempting to get again and push himself however this time he’s simply bought full religion within the medical workforce.
“He probably could be doing a little bit more but they’re trying to ease him into it and keep him nice and safe.”
Hawthorn secured prized goal Josh Ward at No.7 total in final week’s nationwide draft and added fellow Victorian prospects Sam Butler (23), Conno MacDonald (26), Jai Serong (53) and Ned Long (rookie draft) to their checklist.
“It feels amazing,” Ward after his first coaching session with the membership he barracked for as a toddler.
“It’s a fantastic honour (to be the Hawks’ prime choice) however as soon as all of us bought right here it’s simply all the way down to footy actually and about placing within the work and incomes the respect of your teammates.
“We all start at the same spot and it feels amazing to be at Hawthorn – it’s a dream come true – but I’m just trying to focus on getting to work now.”
© AAP
