Alastair Clarkson’s storied run at the helm of Hawthorn will finish at end of next season, with Sam Mitchell to become senior coach in 2023.
Former Hawthorn captain, now assistant coach, Mitchell had been long touted as a senior coach in waiting, while Clarkson’s future with the Hawks has been questioned over the last few years. The club has not won a final since their 2015 premiership triumph and their on-field fortunes have declined rapidly over the last few years.
Mitchell had been heavily linked to the Collingwood coaching vacancy following Nathan Buckley’s resignation, which led to speculation about a potential succession plan at Hawthorn further intensifying when he pulled out.
Clarkson, a former assistant to Mark Williams at Port Adelaide, joined Hawthorn ahead of the 2005 season. He turned the club’s poor form around quickly, guiding them to the finals in 2007 and a shock premiership win in 2008 over a highly-fancied Geelong side.
Underperformance followed, however, including a stunning finals miss the following season and a disappointing elimination final exit in 2010.
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Despite a narrow loss in the 2012 decider, colourful Hawks president Jeff Kennett publicly suggested Clarkson should depart midway through the 2013 season, before Hawthorn went on an imperious run of three consecutive premiership wins.
They finished in the top four in 2016 too, but their quest for a fourth straight flag was ended after they lost in straight sets.
Mitchell made his debut in 2002 under previous Hawks coach Peter Schwab, but blossomed under Clarkson’s reign.
His 307 games for the club included four premierships (one as captain), five best and fairest awards and (retrospectively) the 2012 Brownlow medal.
He played one season for West Coast in 2017, before retiring, and was an assistant coach with the Eagles for their 2018 premiership triumph before rejoining the Hawks as an assistant.
Fair go
Guest
Seriously, the media just hate it when they aren't the ones to drive the sacking of a coach. Succession plans happen all the time in businesses. Anyone think maybe Clarko has decided he wants to retire - he's been doing this a long time. Give Mitchell another year to get a feel for things, and then take over - doing the same thing. Paul Roos has done it twice. Just because Malthouse/Buckley was a media-driven shemozzle doesn't mean every other succession plan will be.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
He will be coaching the Cats when Scotts contract finishes end of '22. A nice seamless transition.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
History repeating with two megalomaniac presidents?
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
You know, they would of been better of using HGH or steroids, would have got the same penalty and actually gotten something out of it
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I think this is the best fit, h may be the only coach in the world that can save GC from themselves, stop the party boy culture
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
100% as harsh as it is, even a grand final appearance is not enough, anything but the cup is in my books a failure and Kenny will need to go, he'll be a Port legend and always welcome at the club, but 12 years with no flag is unacceptable. Back to GC maybe as HC or footy manager
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
That's what I'm thinking, it's quite possible Hawks make the GF next year, then what a fine mess Jeff will have made
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Nah, Scott never got as lucky with compromised drafts and Priority points and the introduction of free agency at the perfect time. I am genuinely interested to see if Clarkson is the super coach at another team. Old Port coach, so I really hope he does smash it, let's see
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Wines such a beast a real gem
Birdman
Roar Rookie
I doubt Hawthorn stop him from doing something he really wants to do. I doubt coaching the Pies will be at the top of his list for a range of reasons, but I could be wrong of course ;)
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Depends on whether Clarko wants to accept a deal at the end of 2021.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
The raging bull has been leading by example this year,he has lost some help along the way but has put the young fellas under his wing and said follow me boys,putting together some season.Some reinforcements will start to filter back into the side over the next few weeks,they are in a good position at the moment
Chanon
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Doing really well Hub churning out the wins before you know it top 4 certainty & contender to my distaste! Go Dogs!!!!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Bird, what if the Pies offer him a 5 year deal starting end this year? He was adamant in that press conference that he will coach out his contract due to his moral obligation to the players he has lured to the club. So are you saying he can be lured mid 2022 but not end 2021?
berrlins
Roar Pro
I get that Mitchell is ambitious but they're the biggest shoes in the AFL to fill right now, and favourite sons as coach of their own club has never worked. good luck to him. Is this the end of Clarkson?
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Clarko will be gone before the end of 2022 - with Hawthorn's blessing.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Yep which is why long successions don't work. Having said that, Clarko will be lured away before the end of his contract with the blessing of the HFC - nothing surer. The queue is already forming for his services.
shifty
Roar Rookie
I noticed that, I thought it was beneath us as a club.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
True enough shifty. Kennett gave the Pies a fierce bake in today’s Hawks press conference