After some conjecture last year about whether he'd leave the Hawks, the time has arrived where star midfielder Tom Mitchell has reportedly signalled his intent to explore greener pastures.
The 2018 Brownlow Medallist has told the club his wishes, and Hawthorn is reportedly keen to cash in on the serial ball magnet and facilitate a possible trade.
Mitchell already has a stacked trophy cabinet - three Peter Crimmins Medals, one Leigh Matthews Trophy as well as two All-Australian blazers amongst other plaudits - however could add to it should he move to a premiership-contending force.
Season 2022 saw Mitchell slightly underperform on a fantastic 2021, undercutting his average output slightly as his side had their first campaign post-Alastair Clarkson.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
In saying that, slightly underperforming for Tom Mitchell is still up there with the elite echelons of the competition, meaning that whoever he goes to in 2023 will still be gaining a true top-drawer midfielder.
At 29 years of age, one would suspect that he has half a decade at maximum until he makes the call to hang up his boots so ideally if he wishes to claim an elusive flag, Mitchell would be wise to request a trade to a team on the cusp of premiership contention.
Throw in the fact that he has rarely missed a game since his arrival at Waverley, and any potential suitors taking him on suddenly have a reliable asset who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and win it out of the middle.
The only stumbling block for clubs would be the contract status of the midfielder, with Mitchell not out of contract til the end of next season and requiring clubs to pitch a decent trade to Hawthorn in order to facilitate the move.
There wouldn't be a club in the land that would refuse Mitchell should he ask to ply his trade there, however, we have weaned it down to just five clubs who would be most suited to the dual All-Australian's presence.
5. Collingwood
Having already been sounded out as one of the sides in the hunt for him, Tom Mitchell and Collingwood could be a nice fit for each other.
With the Pies still in the hunt for the flag this year under Craig McRae, there is widespread optimism at the club that a campaign like season 2022 won't be a flash in the pan due to the age and potential of the side.
Despite their counter-attacking prowess, McRae's side need to be able to win it out of the middle, being ranked 17th in the league for centre clearances per game (10.9). It might not be a factor this season, however, it could come back to bite them should they not address it in the near future.
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Tom Mitchell can be the remedy, feeding the ball out to Collingwood's outside runners and being an integral part of a side that is on the cusp of something big should they play their cards right.
Despite this, his contracted status may be a stumbling block for the Pies and, even if they strike a trade, they may not be able to afford Mitchell's salary considering their well-documented cap issues.
Should the deal come to fruition, then there'd be even more cause for Collingwood to be touted as genuine premiership contenders coming into 2023.
