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.
1. Gold Coast
Stuart Dew's Gold Coast side are on an upward trajectory after missing out on finals by two wins in 2022. Although they are still a young side, there will be nowhere to hide next year for Dew and the playing group if they don't crack the eight after so many years of development.
In saying this, their midfield is actually their strongest attribute, with the likes of star Touk Miller, Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell and Lachie Weller amongst others providing a sound engine room from which to build from.
So why would the Suns be put as one of the landing spots for veteran Tom Mitchell? The truth is that the club don't really need him, however, as mentioned earlier, who would turn down the opportunity to take on one of the most prolific ball-winners and elevate their midfield to one of the best in the competition?
As for Mitchell himself, the Gold Coast would be a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, as would the chance to be able to play finals footy and actually build towards something with Stuart Dew as he aims to take his Suns to the next level. The tutelage that the 29-year-old would provide to Rowell and Anderson would ideally see them work in synergy with each other, with the opposition simply struggling to get on top in the middle against such a stacked engine room.
