2018 Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell has reaffirmed his loyalty to Hawthorn on Tuesday, stating he is "very happy" at the Hawks despite unprecedented role tweaks throughout this season.
Mitchell, 29, hasn't played exclusively as a midfielder as he has in past seasons at Hawthorn and Sydney, with Hawks senior coach Sam Mitchell mixing in some forward time for the serial accumulator.
The position changes have led to the ongoing circulation of trade rumours, however, Mitchell maintains that he is happy exactly where he is.
"I'm very happy, I love it here," Mitchell said on Tuesday.
"I'm contracted for next year as well. I've built so many good relationships within the club.
"I think I've played my best footy at Hawthorn over my career and definitely love it here.
"I would love to see where this journey takes us.
"It's been a tough year win-loss-wise, but it would be great to see where we can take things."
Mitchell is both accepting and an advocate of the coaching staff's decision to mix things up in the midfield in order to find the right combinations.
"We're continuing to find new players and find a midfield mix that can carry us forward," Mitchell said.
"We've seen this year, guys like Jai Newcombe coming into the team, Conor Nash is improving and taking his game to another level, Josh Ward when he's been in the team.
"There's a number of young guys who are really improving. We want to be reliant on everyone as a midfield group, rather than just a few players.
"So I think it's a good thing for the team."
After a second-best possession total for the season (35) against the GWS Giants last Sunday, all signs suggest Mitchell is relishing in whatever role is being put to him.
The Hawks, meanwhile, are presented with a massive opportunity this weekend, with the Adelaide Crows in town on Sunday in what is a very winnable game for the brown and gold.
