The area of the game that Mitchell thinks Hawthorn must improve in

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell that there is room for growth within the Hawks to be able to take Hawthorn to their 14th premiership.

The Hawks are flying high at the minute as they currently sit on top of the ladder undefeated having built off from their impressive 2024 season.

Speaking on SEN’s Breakfast, Mitchell believes that despite Hawthorn’s recent results, they have areas of its game that it needs to improve upon.

“I think every coach is a bit the same, no matter how you play, you always come out of every game with things you need to look at,” Mitchell said.

“Sometimes victory is not a great teacher, but we have been burnt by that a couple of times last year where we didn’t learn lessons quick enough.

“Hopefully what we have done this year so far, is to be able, despite winning really look honestly at our game and say there’s a few aspects that haven’t gone well.

“And examine the games, we look to improve them and other things as we progress.

“I think the footy we’re playing right now up to this point isn’t going to take us where we would really like to go to be able to compete with the best at the time it matters.”
And when asked to elaborate by Kane Cornes on what, Mitchell’s meticulous nature was on display believing that Hawks needs to improve in their stoppages to prevent scoring opportunities.

“I think there’s a little bit of each game has been a little different,” Mitchell said earnestly.

“If you look at the Essendon game, they had nine shots on goal from their forward 50 stoppages which you know is diabolical.

“We couldn’t really fix it last week either, so, Carlton had four shots on goal and kicked two of its goals from that source.

“So, there’s something we’ve had to do a little bit of work on.

“So, stoppages across the ground have been a little bit inconsistent, not too bad from centre bounce last week, it’s not an area of the ground that’s really humming from us at the moment.

“So that’s an area of the game that’s got a bit of work to do.”

Forecasting ahead to this week’s clash against the Giants, Mitchell believes that Hawthorn will be able to deal with the return of reigning Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan and the GWS forward line.

“I thought the way they were able to get the best out of Hogan and also you’ve got someone like whether it was Cadman or Riccardi, someone playing such a selfless role to try and make sure that the game was set up for the way they need to play,”

“Obviously, everyone scouted a bit better this year and we’ll see if we can combat it but having a little bit more flexibility and probably a couple of decent match ups for Jesse as well.”

Hawthorn will take on the undefeated Giants at UTAS Stadium on Saturday night in what some people view as a potential early Grand Final preview.

If the Hawks win, it will be the first time since 2008 that they start the season 4-0 which was the same year that they won their 10th premiership.

First bounce takes place at 7:35pm AEDT.