The news coming out of Waverley Park on Tuesday that Hawthorn had put an end date on the tenure of the greatest coach of the modern era in Alastair Clarkson would've surprised many.
Hawthorn confirmed the news via media conference that current Box Hill VFL head coach and former Hawthorn premiership player Sam Mitchell would take over from Clarkson at the end of the 2022 season.
President Jeff Kennett, Clarkson and Mitchell all sat in on a press conference on Monday to announce the news.
"Understanding nothing lasts forever, the decision to finish my time at Hawthorn at the end of my current contract was the best path forward for the club long-term," Clarkson told hawthornfc.com.au.
"Sam is on this journey and the period of transition between Sam and I provides further opportunity for him to develop as he prepares to step into the senior coach role."
Mitchell expressed his gratitude of the opportunity given to him by the club that drafted him back in 2001, and is excited for the future ahead with the club.
SEE ALSO: Who is the AFL's next 400+ gamer?
"I am looking forward to continuing my work in developing our young crop of players and coaching the Box Hill side over the next 18 months," Mitchell said.
"Development is an area of football that I am incredibly passionate about and I am confident that over the next 18 months we will continue to see more and more of what our young players are capable of."
Kennett expressed he had great confidence that Mitchell will succeed Clarkson well, and had some kind words for the out-going coach, who has given so much to the Hawthorn Football Club since being appointed in 2004.
SEE ALSO: Should the AFL consider introducing a 'captain's challenge'?ย
"He is clearly ready to prove himself. Another year at Box Hill and continuing to work with Alastair before taking over the role at the end of next year will be the perfect preparation for him to step into the role of senior coach of our great club," Kennett said.
"Alastair sits in esteemed company alongside John Kennedy Snr and Allan Jeans as our most successful coaches. He will always be part of the fabric at Hawthorn."
SEE ALSO: Every club's biggest 'what if' moment of the AFL era - Part Four
The news surprised many people in the media, including Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall, who helped appoint Clarkson in 2004.
Speaking on AFL 360 on Tuesday night, Dunstall explained how he was surprised by the move.
"I was gobsmacked. I didnโt know it was coming. I was very, very surprised," Dunstall said.
"Hindsight will tell us (if itโs the right decision). Itโs a bold decision is what it is."
"Knowing youโre giving up the best coach of the modern era and who I think still has plenty of currency - gee youโre placing a lot of faith and pressure on Sam Mitchell."
"Iโm not against the decision, but itโs not a decision I wouldโve made. Itโs a brave, bold decision and itโs probably not one I wouldโve made."
Check out below to see the Zero Hanger team's thoughts on the succession plan:
Aidan O'Carroll: I think it's definitely a risky move but one that could pay off. It's risky as you're moving on the greatest coach of the modern era at a time where there are head coaching positions available at big rival Victorian clubs, and Clarkson who now has an end date on his coaching career at Hawthorn could move onto another club.
I think it could pay off for Sam Mitchell and Hawthorn as Mitchell is in a similar position that Clarkson was in twenty years ago. Clarkson who was an untried senior coach at the time, led Central Districts to a SANFL premiership in 2001 before becoming assistant coach for Port Adelaide in 2003 to 2004 in their premiership year, before being appointed Hawthorn coach in 2004.
Mitchell is in a similar position as he is a VFL coach at Box Hill, has been an assistant coach at West Coast, and is an untried coach being appointed to Hawthorn.
I think Hawthorn would benefit from some fresh ideas from a fresh face, as they don't have the list to contend at the moment. It is a good time to reset and I have confidence that Mitchell will become a great head coach at AFL level.
Ed Carmine: I hold the same opinion as Jason Dunstall, in that if things don't start positively for Mitchell in 2023, then the decision to oust Clarkson will place undue pressure on the new coach.
Whether or not this plays out or whether or not Mitchell has the ability to ride the bumps with a grin, I'm not sure.
However, as these well laid plans can often end in tears, my only hope is that Mitchell's reputation doesn't become tarnished at the same place that he made it.
Still, he'll probably win a swag of flags and put paid to my concerns quickly - he's pretty good at overcoming long odds, Sam Mitchell.
Will Guthrie: Not sure itโs the right one, Mitchell might end up being sensational and sometimes you do need a fresh voice, but Clarkoโs the best of the modern era. Itโs akin to letting Bellichek or Sir Alex go.. if youโre going to do that I reckon youโd want to be very sure he wonโt end up at a rival club.
