AFL: Hawthorn midfielder Tom Mitchell plans to remain at the Hawks during their rebuild rather than chase a flag elsewhere

Trade speculation has been rife about Tom Mitchell for the past 18 months but he plans to stick it out with the Hawks.

Tom Mitchell’s been in strong form despite the Hawks’ on-field struggles in 2022. Picture: Getty Images

Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell is pledging his future to Hawthorn in the hope the Hawks can win an elusive premiership before his career ends.

The star midfielder, 29, is a lightning rod for trade speculation, especially in the past 18 months, but stated again on Tuesday he wanted “to see where this journey takes us”.

Hawthorn has shown signs of progress under first-year coach Sam Mitchell but still boasts only four wins from 15 matches and is headed for a bottom-six finish for the third season in a row.

The Hawks could leapfrog Adelaide into 14th place if they can beat the Crows at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

“I think the Hawthorn fans would be pleased that we are competitive,” Tom Mitchell said.

Tom Mitchell remains one of the AFL’s best ball-winners. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve had a few games where we haven’t been, but the majority of the season we have and that hasn’t been reflected in the win-loss record, which can be tough, as competitors and as athletes.

“But we realise the journey we’re on and where we want to go and I think being competitive is a really good start.”

Mitchell’s role has slightly changed this year, with a dip in midfield time and extra stints up forward as the Hawks try to fast-track the group around him and Jaeger O’Meara.

Jai Newcombe is in Rising Star contention, while Conor Nash and Josh Ward have also performed well at different times.

Mitchell, who was outstanding in last week’s defeat to the Giants after James Worpel went down early, said he was supportive of the coach’s goal to spread the midfield love for the greater good.

Hawks coach Sam Mitchell (far right) wants a greater spread of midfield contributors. Picture: Getty Images

There’s a number of young guys who are really improving and we want to be relying on everyone as a midfield group rather than just a few players, so I think it is a good thing for the team,” he said.

“I’m very happy and I love it here. I’m contracted for next year as well.

“I’ve built so many good relationships within the club and I think I’ve probably played my best footy at Hawthorn over my career and definitely do love it here.

“I would love to see where this journey takes us. I think everyone – all the players, all the staff – is on board with where we’re going.”

Mitchell also said captain Ben McEvoy was “getting close” to returning after missing the Hawks’ past 13 matches while recovering from a neck fracture he sustained at training.

Originally published as AFL: Hawthorn midfielder Tom Mitchell plans to remain at the Hawks during their rebuild rather than chase a flag elsewhere