Adelaide bound? Hawthorn’s Mitchell on Roughead’s potential departure

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell admits that Jarryd Roughead's possible defection is bitter sweet.

Reports emerged on Thursday that Hawthorn's player acquisition manager Roughead is one of the leading candidates for Adelaide's vacant list manager position following the departure of Justin Reid in February to the AFL.

Player agent and former Essendon gun Scott Lucas has also been linked within industry circles as a potential candidate for the role.

Ahead of Saturday afternoon's Opening Round date with Greater Western Sydney, Mitchell said he is torn on how he feels about his close friend's possible appointment.

"Rough' and I work together of course,  but we are also good mates so there is a part of me that is like, 'Rough, you're talking to Adelaide, c'mon man'," he said.

"But there is a part of me that knows his career aspirations and he wants to work his way up the ladder and he has done a great job for us and continues to do that."

A decision on the vacant role could made by the Crows as early as next week.

Roughead joined the Hawks as part of their list management team in 2024 and played a key part in the acquisitions of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle later that season.

He was also part of the club's strong but unsuccessful push to land Essendon star Zach Merrett during last year's trade period.

Mitchell said Hawthorn's ability to develop its staff internally will naturally make them attractive prospects for other clubs.

"I think at Hawthorn we want our people to do the best they can and do a great job and if we do that well and create an environment where our people are thriving then it is inevitable that other clubs will come knocking on the door," he said.

"As (Roughead's) friend, I hope he goes really well and they appoint him and he can have fantastic growth, but as the Hawthorn coach I am like, 'Please give it to someone else I would love to keep him for us'."