Where will Tom Mitchell play in 2023?
That’s the question that’s been asked after it was revealed last week that the midfielder was exploring his trade options.
Mitchell, who still has a year left to run on his Hawthorn contract, has been linked to Collingwood and St Kilda, while SEN’s Sam Edmund expects Essendon to also “ask the question” of the 2018 Brownlow medallist.
“(He’s a) real possibility to be traded,” Edmund said on SEN Breakfast.
“That is a watch at the moment (where he is traded to).
“I think Essendon would have to ask the question of Tom Mitchell, wouldn’t they?
“St Kilda have been linked as well, they’ve denied that but it’s this time of year, there’s been café sightings and all sorts of people being spotted.”
Along with Mitchell, fellow veterans Jack Gunston and Luke Breust were also linked to moves last off-season and Edmund pondered whether the Hawks will commit to a full rebuild heading into 2023.
“There’s a year to run on his contract of course, but it’ll be interesting to see if they go a step further,” Edmund said.
“There’s Jack Gunston of course and Luke Breust, his future a little bit up in the air as well, whether he seeks to stay and just how far Sam Mitchell will go.”
Mitchell was deployed in various roles in 2022 but still averaged a prolific 28.1 disposals and 5.1 clearances from 21 games this season.
It’s believed the Hawks are prepared to pay a portion of his salary for the 2023 season.