Hawthorn sounds out Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith about potential leadership role for 2021 AFL season
Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith is being keenly sought by AFL clubs should he retire from the NRL as expected.
Hawthorn has sounded out Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith about a leadership role at the AFL club next year.
The Hawks have contacted Smith, 37, about whether he would be interested helping mentor some of their on-field leaders next year in a specialised role.
Smith, who is one of the most respected figures in Australian sport, is tipped to retire from the NRL after leading the Storm to another premiership this year.
A move to Queensland could be on the cards, while the Storm are also keen to keep Smith on in a coaching role if he does hang up the boots.
Smith would have a lot to offer the Hawks as the club prepares to appoint a new captain and revamped leadership group over the pre-season.
Former skipper Ben Stratton has retired, leaving Jaeger O’Meara, Jack Gunston, Tom Mitchell, Liam Shiels and James Sicily as the leading candidates to take over in 2021.
Sicily has matured into an important on-field leader for the Hawks but will miss a big chunk of the 2021 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament.
Storm figures have lauded Smith for his ability to perform under pressure, lead a team and shape club culture over his glittering rugby league career.
The Storm champion already has strong ties with Hawthorn as a long-time supporter and close friend of premiership veteran Shaun Burgoyne.
St Kilda secured Storm champion Billy Slater in a similar role in late 2018, while GWS Giants also nabbed Cooper Cronk to work with their leaders.
Hawthorn also secured highly-rated Richmond assistant coach Craig McRae to help replace Adem Yze who joined Melbourne.
McRae has also worked with the Storm as a kicking consultant.
Sam Mitchell will coach the Hawks’ VFL team Box Hill and lead the club’s development program, focusing on their first-to-fifth year players.
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