MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge of the Hawks celebrate with the Premeirship Cup during the 2014 AFL Grand Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Sam Mitchell has re-joined Hawthorn as an assistant coach for the 2019 season.
The 2008 premiership captain departed the Hawks for West Coast at the end of the 2016 season.
Mitchell played one season at the Eagles before hanging up the boots to move into a coaching role.
The Brownlow Medallist thanked the Eagles for his time at the club but acknowledged it was time for his family to return home.
“Perth is a great place, but it became apparent that with the heavy travel commitments, and living in an isolated city away from our support network, was not conducive with a young family. I spoke to West Coast mid-year and explained my intention," Mitchell told the Hawthorn website.
“Craig Vozzo was so supportive and we worked together to ensure that this would not be a distraction for the players. I am glad we did, as finishing my two years at West Coast with a premiership was a special experience.
“I’m really excited to return to Hawthorn, a true family club, and it feels really special to get back to the place I spent 15 years of my playing career,”