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Applying logic to the Hawks' trade decisions

Roar Guru
17th October, 2016
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Jordan Lewis' time at the Hawks is up. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Roar Guru
17th October, 2016
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1241 Reads

Over the last seven days people have gone into overdrive with the Hawks letting go of both Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis.

Yes they have both been great players to the Hawks and it was not like they were dumped out the door. Both had a spot on the roster next year and had a choice.

First Mitchell, from his own mouth when he was interviewed on SEN last week, said it was his choice to go not the decision made by Alastair Clarkson or others at the club. The offer was put on the table for him to go to Eagles or to stay with the Hawks in 2017.

After talks with his other half he chose to get the Hawks to do a deal with the Eagles so that he could start his next step in life and that being coaching.

He was not forced out or told that he was not going to be playing much in 2017. He was given the choice and he took what he believed was the best for his family and his future. He will always be one of the Hawthorn greats and will be missed but the club and Mitchell believe this was the best for all parties.

As a fan I’m happy with what they have done.

Now Lewis at the same time as Mitchell was spoken to by Clarkson and told that most likely he would not get an extension past 2017. He was told he may like to see if there are better offers out there. At this point in time I don’t think the Hawks Expected both deals to go through, But here we are with both at new clubs.

Now with all of the above is this a problem? In my view no. Last year we lost two veterans in Brian Lake and David Hale. This year with Mitchell and Lewis going they continue to bring in new blood and let those develop at a good rate.

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Do we think that Jonathan Ceglar would have had the break out year he had if Hale was still playing? Of course not. He would still be in the VFL and not developing as well as he did until his injury. The same can be said for Kaiden Brand and Ryan Burton. If Brian Lake was still at the club they would not have got the chances they have this year.

All in all the loss of them both in one way is a disappointment, but in another it is fantastic for the following. No Mitchell means others have to step up to the next leave as he want be there to save them.

The like of Kieran Lovell, Blake Hardwick and Daniel How will get there chances to play more senior games in 2017. More games means more experience.

The next year is going to be interesting for the Hawks and only time will tell if it was the right choice.

The Hawks have done the right thing by giving Mitchell a chance to begin the next stage of his life in coaching. Lewis has received the extra long contract the Hawks most likely could not have given him.

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