Hawthorn 3-0 to start 2025 but coach Sam Mitchell says they have only won one in a row

In two of Hawthorn’s most recent premiership seasons they started with three wins in a row, but getting to the same mark already in 2025 doesn’t mean much to the coach.

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says “it’s a good position to be in” after notching up a third win in three game but is following the mantra of a six-time NFL Super-Bowl-winning coach ahead of the his team’s biggest test to date.

The Hawks took care of Carlton with a sterling second half at the MCG on Thursday night to take their 2025 record to 3-0 amid high expectations after their finals surge in 2024.

Hawthorn’s 3-0 record matches its starts in premiership seasons 2008 and 2014, and while Mitchell said he’s happy to be where they are, the words of legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick are never far from his thoughts.

“I didn’t know that (the premiership years comparison), but it’s nice to know, I am not disappointed in that but what I do know is it’s round 2,” he said.

“It’s a good position to be in, of course, and we feel fortunate we’re here, we’ve worked really hard to get to this point.

“But it will mean nothing depending on what happens next, I think Bill Belichick always says ‘we’ve won one in a row’.

Jack Ginnivan (left) and Changkuoth Jiath celebrate one in a row. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“So three times we’ve won one in a row – it doesn’t get any easier with GWS next, that will be another big game for us.”

Hawthorn has played three games in 13 days but will have a nine-day break before it hosts the Giants in Tasmania next Saturday.

Mitchell is adamant the Hawks have the depth to cover another potential casualty in Connor Macdonald.

Macdonald was subbed out during the second quarter against Carlton on Thursday night after he landed awkwardly on his ankle in a tackle.

The unbeaten Hawks have had three starters – James Worpel (ankle), Jack Scrimshaw (concussion/suspension) and now Macdonald – sidelined across the opening three rounds.

Mitchell said the Hawks would get scans to determine the extent of Macdonald’s injury but he remained confident in his list.

“Yeah disappointing, I am not sure exactly where the ankle injury is, we’ll get the scan tomorrow and work it out from there,” he said.

Connor Macdonald suffered an ankle injury. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“We’ve obviously had Worps out now and then Jack Scrimshaw is going to miss a couple more as well, we’ve started to build up (injuries).

“But I was really pleased with the guys who came in; Jack Gunston, I thought his role was really important, the goal kicking, his two were really important goals at key moments.

“Even a guy like Changkuoth (Jiath) … he would’ve been so disappointed that he just got injured at the wrong time of the pre-season.

“But he gets an opportunity and he really took it tonight. I think making sure you’ve got depth in your squad, we don’t rely on too many individual players.

“You want to try and avoid that, like every coach does, and we’re fortunate that the depth is pretty good – if we lose Connor, there will be a replacement.”

Originally published as Hawthorn 3-0 to start 2025 but coach Sam Mitchell says they have only won one in a row