Hawthorn has started the 2024 AFL season with just one win from seven games, with their young core unable to get the job done, particularly following their 76-point loss to Sydney last week.
Hawks coach Sam Mitchell took over as head coach at the end of the 2021 season, and since their 13th place finish in 2022, has been unable to spark the Hawks up the table, with several debutants and young stars beginning to emerge amongst the clubs rebuild.
With the Hawks’ rough start, and Mitchell’s visible frustrations taking the headlines in the media this week, the Hawthorn legend addressed his concerns touching on the spray aimed at Jack Scrimshaw over the weekend’s loss.
“One of the steps that we know we need to take is handling momentum,” Mitchell told SEN Breakfast.
“We went from three goals to two with eight minutes to go, and then it’s six goals to two by the time the quarter finishes.
“Some of that was in our control, so that was the frustration.
“In the last month in particular, we’ve given up little runs of goals, and I know it’s a huge frustration for our fans – we’re right in a game and then all of a sudden, the opposition kicks four.
“I’ve never thought about how it’s perceived or how you look, or what people are going to say about your demeanour,” he claimed, in regard to his visible anger over the weekend.
“I wouldn’t do anything differently.”
There has been reasonable speculation that tensions and frustrations are building due to Hawthorn’s poor start to the season, however Mitchell was quick to deny.
“With the media it’s always fair to speculate, I don’t think that is an accurate speculation,” he said.
“The types of frustrations in the coach’s box or with players is a part of coaching. Trying to get the best out of the players and trying to get our football program running as quickly as possible at the level that we want it to, is a significant part of my job.
“I will use every lever in my power and everyone else will to get us there as quickly as we can.”
Hawthorn captain and All-Australian James Sicily has been down on form in 2024, currently sitting -6.7 in disposals and -3.6 in marks from last year, with a career high 40 percent defensive one-on-one loss rate.
Mitchell however is not concerned over his former teammates’ start to the season and has full confidence in his ability to turn his form around in the coming weeks.
“James is the first one to put his hand up and say that his form hasn’t been as he would like it”, he said.
“I wouldn’t question how he’s worked on his craft and how he’s trying to lead.
“We know when he’s at his best he’s one of the best in the competition.”
“If he just tries to fix his own backyard and not worry about anyone else that’d be a step backwards for him. He’s not playing his best footy just yet, but I have full confidence that his talent will come through, and he’ll continue to work in the way that he is currently.
“There is no choice but for his form to turn around.”
The Hawks are set to take on the Western Bulldogs in a bottom half clash at Marvel Stadium this Sunday.
