Mitchell “very surprised” at AI backlash as Cornes digs in

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was surprised to receive backlash after reports emerged that his ‘new obsession’ was artificial intelligence.

Speaking to Channel 7, Mitchell says the Hawks were investing in AI because it’s the ‘future of technology’ and that ‘every club everywhere in every sport’ is trying to get an edge with it.

At this stage, Mitchell uses the tool for preparation and even to frame questions to certain players.

Speaking on SEN Breakfast following the report, Mitchell said he couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t try and enhance the data the Hawks track to improve both on and off-field with AI.

“I was very surprised at the reaction,” Mitchell said.

“You spend all this time trying to make your footy club the best place it can be, and if you're not attacking AI wholeheartedly (you’re missing out).

“I went overseas last year and had a look at some sports clubs and some businesses in New York in particular, and I could not believe how they had integrated it so cleanly to make all these people do so much work on data.

“If you can make that more efficient, who wouldn't be doing it? So, I was surprised.”

SEN Fireball host Kane Cornes backed up Mitchell’s stance, stating that any club not using AI is being left behind in modern footy.

“I saw that Sam Mitchell was smashed for his use of AI,” Cornes said.

“What I will say is that coaches and clubs that aren't using AI are that far behind, it's not funny.

“It's a fun joke to say Sam Mitchell's punching in (on ChatGPT), ‘How do I speak to a player?’ on AI.

“That was one example that he used, but they're also using it with running patterns and high-speed running that the players are going at and using all sorts of different technology that probably other clubs aren't using.

“If your club is not using AI, if your coach isn't using it, you're that far behind, it's not funny.

“So, for everyone who had a laugh and smashed Hawthorn, and I just wanted to say once again, they are that far ahead, I reckon, than the others.

“Now there'd be many clubs using it, but if you're not, I reckon you're a fair way behind.”