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.
2. St Kilda
The retirement of Dan Hannebery was surprising for Saints fans despite the fact that the veteran had been plagued by injuries since his move to Moorabbin, meaning that the club is now free of his reported $900,000 per year contract.
With this salary cap space, the Saints clearly need some investment considering the year that they served up. Their midfield, already containing experience through the likes of Jack Steele, Brad Crouch, Zak Jones and Seb Ross, needs some improvement despite the promise of youngsters.
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Tom Mitchell could be a very sound option for Ratten's men should he be looking for established talent over young up-and-comers. The output he offers is huge, as is his ability to win the ball out of the contest.
However, the fact of the matter is that the Saints aren't particularly close to a flag by any stretch of the imagination. He would be a good fit at Moorabbin, but if he wishes to claim his missing piece of silverware in a premiership, then he might want to think twice about making the switch.
