“No story”: Hawks coach snuffs out potential exit rumours

Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell has reassured his stance on his ongoing contract talks, stating his desire to recommit to the Hawks in the near future.

On Tuesday night, SEN and 7News journalist Tom Morris reported that Mitchell was open to fielding calls from rival clubs ahead of his contract expiration at the end of 2027.

Ahead of Hawthorn's Round 16 clash with GWS, Mitchell labelled the rumours a non-story as he looks to confirm his role at the Hawks in the coming years.

“I’m very happy at Hawthorn, as you can tell,” Mitchell said.

“This is probably the least happy I get – at a press conference!

“I’m very, very happy at Hawthorn. There’s a big difference between taking a phone call, which it is rude not to, and discussing coaching other teams.”

Are you expecting a call from Tasmania or Carlton?

“I’m not suspecting anything like that, no.”

Have you fielded a call from Tasmania or Carlton?

“No.”

Is there something from a contract perspective that you need to see from Hawthorn?

“No. That’s all going exactly as it should. I wouldn’t be reading anything into that.

“There are conversations going on in the background, and I’m sure it’ll sort itself out over the coming period. I’m very happy at Hawthorn.”

Would you like to lock yourself at the Hawks ahead of next year?

“I assume so, but I’m not concerned. It’s not on my mind.

“You guys all talk about it and there’s not many stories going on about us at the moment.

“You’ve got to talk about something, I understand that, but there’s no story there. Unfortunately for you, but fortunately for me.”

Gettable? Hawks coach Mitchell open to best possible deal

Sam Mitchell would take a call from a rival club if he was approached.

Mitchell is out of contract at the end of 2027 and though early chats have commenced on a fresh deal, he is yet to be formally offered an extension.

It's understood discussions were paused recently by mutual agreement, though they are expected to recommence soon.

Mitchell is loyal to the Hawks but is believed to be open to the best deal which would set him and his family up long term beyond the end of 2027.

Tasmania denies they've approached him, though Mitchell's connections to the state go back to his playing days.

Speaking on Triple M on Friday, Devils boss Brendon Gale didn't publicly rule out making a play for an established senior coach.

Another wrinkle with Mitchell relates to his relationship with club president Andy Gowers.

Gowers recently apologised to Mitchell for using his image to promote a corporate getaway in Queensland.

The pair's relationship is at best steady, which makes Hawthorn chief Ashley Klein's role in negotiations even more important.

It's understood Hawthorn is keen to lock in Mitchell before the beginning of next season.

Carlton is wildcard. Its CEO, Graham Wright, famously tried to poach Mitchell from under Hawthorn's nose in 2021 to coach Collingwood.

This forced the Hawks into action, with the ultimately unsuccessful succession plan behind Alastair Clarkson initiated as a result of Wright's approach.

Mitchell has a 51 percent winning record with the Hawks.