Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell will look to forge his own identity in 2022 and beyond.
Mitchell, who succeeded four-time premiership Alastair Clarkson at Waverley Park, steps into his first senior coaching role, with the Hawks looking to rebuild after years of sustained success.
Hawthorn currently has three picks inside the top 25 in this year’s National Draft - 5, 21 and 24 – as they look to replenish their list with more young talent.
SEN Drive co-host Dwayne Russell raised the question: “Beyond flags, you can’t win the flag, what does he (Mitchell) need to do to get out of Alastair Clarkson’s shadow at least by the end of the year?”
North Melbourne champion David King wants to see Mitchell implement a “daring” and open style of football next season.
“I think he (Mitchell) has to show us that he’s style of footy is different,” King said.
“He’s daring, I think that’s what he’ll do, he’ll open it up a bit.
“There’ll be some good days, there’ll be some really bad days, they’ll get taken to the cleaners four or five times next year, but I think he’s going to expose these young guys and just find out what their ceiling is, how far can we go quickly?
“Coming off a seven-win season, we’re not expecting him to do too much. I fundamentally believe he’s got to stay at the bottom of the ladder anyway.”
After much speculation during the trade period, Hawthorn retained contracted senior quartet Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O'Meara, Jack Gunston and Chad Wingard.
The Hawks blooded eight debutants in 2021. They finished 14th in Clarkson’s final year in charge.