Tom Mitchell reveals the ‘s**t’ act that made him quit Hawthorn

Premiership player Tom Mitchell has opened up on the damning truth behind his messy exit from Hawthorn at the end of the 2022 season.

Tom Mitchell opens up on Hawks exit

Collingwood premiership player Tom Mitchell has opened up and revealed the reason behind why he quit Hawthorn.

The midfield star joined the Magpies during the AFL’s 2022 Trade Period after falling out of favour with the Hawks.

Watch every match of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season LIVE & ad-break free during play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >

After securing his first premiership medal the 2018 Brownlow Medal winner detailed exactly what was behind him quitting on the Hawks and requesting a move out of the club.

Mitchell was dropped down the pecking order in the Hawthorn midfield in 2022 under coach Sam Mitchell.

Now the prolific ball winner has exposed the moment he knew his time had come and he had to get out of the club he joined ahead of the 2017 season.

“Certain things happened and I knew they wanted me out,” Mitchell said on the Ball Magnets Podcast.

“There was one particular meeting I remember and I don’t want to come across as I’m complaining, this is more just how I was feeling and how I was being made to feel.

Mitchell opened up. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“One meeting in particular, a game review and I would chat with Dylan Moore, Finn Maginess, Will Day these guys who are still my good mates and we would call it the Tom Mitchell game review.

“That was the signed, sealed and delivered. I knew after that meeting I wasn’t coming back next year, no matter what happens I’m not coming to Hawthorn.

“One review where there was like five or so clips of just me. There was a few that were fair, but I got barrelled this meeting. All five clips and that was the meeting done.

“I walked out of that thinking … are you serious? This is unprofessional, unfair and made me feel like absolute sh*t in front of everyone and that happened a few times.

“From that point onwards I was just … I’m not coming back here. That was when I knew.”

interesting comments.. #AFL

Tom Mitchell on a review meeting at Hawthorn.

pic.twitter.com/OhUaZPc2SV

— SuperCoach IQ (@SuperCoachIQ) October 9, 2023

The damning revelation from Mitchell didn’t sit well with footy fans online, many of who were quick to call out the club for treating the star player in such a way.

6News journalist Leonardo Puglisi wrote: “As a Hawks fan I get two sides to every story and all but I can’t see a defence for this – it just seems inexcusable, especially in front of the whole team.”

One X user wrote: “Some people might downplay it but this is awful. Genuinely toxic work environment that shouldn’t still be happening in this day and age. So glad he got out of there for his own mental wellbeing and Collingwood reaped the rewards.”

Another added: “Sounds like it was rough, and honestly, kinda poor form from Hawthorn. Can’t imagine what they were thinking.”

Mitchell ultimately joined Collingwood where he played a stellar role in helping secure the premiership, finishing the contest with 24 disposals, 13 tackles and seven clearances.