Hawthorn hope to complete Jaeger O’Meara deal separately from potential Sam Mitchell move west

SAM Mitchell’s willingness to shift across the country has shocked the AFL world. Jon Ralph discusses what the Hawks can expect for Mitchell — both now and in the future.

SAM Mitchell’s sensational trade to West Coast nearly occurred last year as the Hawthorn great considered his future in the game.

The Herald Sun understands Mitchell was open to a trade last year, having committed to moving to the Eagles anyway at some stage in the future to progress his coaching aspirations.

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MITCHELL: MOVE COULD BE A WIN FOR EVERYONE

The only impediment to his move to the Eagles under Adam Simpson is West Coast finding a suitable deal that satisfies Mitchell.

It means Mitchell is certain to move to the Eagles next year under a one-year playing deal — possibly with a trigger for a second season — then a two-season coaching deal.

There remains a possibility he will be Hawthorn’s next senior coach when Clarkson moves on, so highly does Hawthorn rate his coaching ability.

Sam Mitchell in action against West Coast in the 2015 Grand Final. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The deal is not connected with the Hawks’ ability to seal the Jaeger O’Meara deal from the Gold Coast, although that deal continues to run into road blocks created by Suns president Tony Cochrane.

The Hawks expect to get only a later pick or a swap of later selections in the deal for Mitchell, with West Coast’s early picks 12 and 33 off the table.

The Hawks feel they are reloading their premiership aspirations with Tom Mitchell and O’Meara, and are happy to foster Mitchell’s aspirations at the same time.

Mitchell and Simpson spoke at length last year about Mitchell’s coaching aspirations and from that discussion the possibility arose of a potential trade.

When that fell over Mitchell was more than happy to stay at Hawthorn and eventually won his fifth best and fairest award this year.

But with his children at an age where they are about to enter primary school he sees it as the perfect time to transplant his family for a four or five-year stint before returning to Melbourne to coach.

The Hawks were of the belief that Mitchell would likely play on at their club for one final year in 2017 so the move is perfectly timed.

They are adamant they can get the O’Meara deal done separately from Mitchell’s move, having cleared salary cap space and assembled several high picks.

But Gold Coast continue to frustrate them despite the Hawks offering an array of players and picks.

Not until the Suns give them a clear picture of exactly what they are after can the Hawks satisfy their request for the deal.

Cochrane’s continued intervention — this week telling the Herald Sun the Hawks had boasted about their medical care — is frustrating many as the Suns and Hawks attempt to secure the best deal for both sides.

Originally published as Hawthorn hope to complete Jaeger O’Meara deal separately from potential Sam Mitchell move west