Recommitted Tom Mitchell [contracted and staying at Hawthorn]

[danielG]

To those Hawks that seem somewhat exasperated by our disinterest in Mitchell. Personally I get the suggestion, I guess if anyone wanted him it would be kind of logical it would be us. And I get the reason why you want more first rounders (I mean we do as well). It's the dogged insistence that does our heads in.

It just doesn't seem to matter how often we tell hawks that we want to go to the drat, that we don't want to trade a first rounder(s) for a 29 year old, that we have other priorities that we find just as pressing, that maybe just maybe we know more about what our needs are and what our club is thinking better than they do etc. A lot of them just don't want to hear it.

To be fair it's not so bad here but go the Hawthorns '2021 Player wishlists, random thoughts and Hypothetical trade proposals' and for many there the trade is as good as done and literally it's about how many first rounders and additional picks they can screw us out of. In effect (and I'm quoting here) what Port did to Hawthorn in the Wingard trade you're going to do to us to even the ledger. Even the fact that Mitchell has come out and publicly stated he aint going anywhere hasn't seem to have slowed them down.

Anyhow this Ternimator like determination has breed a counter-reaction in us where Mitchell has now become a slow, crablike stats accumulator with zero hurt factor. Obviously this isn't quite true, but equally obviously most Richmond people don't rate him quite as highly as Hawthorn supporters do. The bottom-line is we are genuinely excited about having two first rounders with a possibility of securing an additional first from Footscray. It's a position we haven't been for at least a decade and we're loathe to give it up.

I think most Richmond people would accept sending a second to Hawthorn for Mitchell (although personally I'd stlll prefer the draft), but a first that's a different matter. And from Hawthorns perspective I understand it's laughable unders. So with such a large gap between so many of the two supporter groups as to what he'd be worth (and the fact a hell of a lot of us don't really want him) it just feels like Hawthorn posters are flogging a dead horse (especially with him publicly declaring he's a Hawk to stay). Now if you want to keep on doing that that's fine, but don't expect by doing so any come to Jesus moment where we see the light and sell the farm to buy him. Again it's not so much we hate Mitchell, it's just in my opinion the majority of us just want to go to the draft.

You do understand you’re not Richmonds
List manager right? You write like you’re signing off on a trade. Hawthorn supporters are saying their club would unlikely accept anything other than Richmond’s first selection.. seems fair..
Richmond supporters say their club would unlikely offer it. Also fair.. so the clubs reach a middle ground or he stays with hawthorn.. I think he’ll stay… I’d personally be happy to accept a top 10 pick and be happy for the club to pay a portion of his salary but I don’t think the interest is at that level..

 

[SSSSSS]

Mitchell post-bye form.
36disposals, 7 goals (0.6 per game), 5.6 tackles, 5.6 clearances, 128SC.

Mitchell Brownlow form.

36 disposals, 12 goals (0.5 per game), 6 tackles per game, 7.6 clearances 129SC.

Stats are stats but I think this number is the most telling.

Post-bye Mitchell has averaged 3.71 Coaches votes in the AFLCA award, not far off the 4 he averaged in his Brownlow winning 2018 season (in a team which made finals).

Mitchell's last three months of footy has been as close as to his Brownlow form as you can get. The numbers back it up, what the coaches are seeing back it up and he is most definitely passing the eye-test of many posters on the Hawthorn board. Can he keep it up in 2022? Who knows, but the idea that he will never be back to his best is laughably false. He has shown he can get back to his best as highlighted above.

Mitchell has his detractors but he is a bonafide elite midfielder and if you want a game to prove that simply watch his match against the all-conquering Dee's midfield. Absolutely pantsed the lot of them.

I hope he stays. He's hungry and he has a lot of doubters to prove wrong. And I wouldn't want him to rub egg in the face of others more than while he is wearing the Hawthorn colours.

Seems the umpires have noticed Titch's return to Brownlow form. I much prefer the other metrics than umpires opinions but if the umpires see it, the coaches see it, the internal staff see it and the Hawthorn supporters see it, it has to count for something.

20 votes in his last 11 games (post-bye). Elite numbers.

 

[HeHateMe]

Seems the umpires have noticed Titch's return to Brownlow form. I much prefer the other metrics than umpires opinions but if the umpires see it, the coaches see it, the internal staff see it and the Hawthorn supporters see it, it has to count for something.

20 votes in his last 11 games (post-bye). Elite numbers.

You can tell it's still a sleeper with most opposition fans, and why wouldn't it be we were never in the finals picture so I doubt many people other than hawks fans watch him week to week.

 

[daniel23]

Tarrant will cost us literally nothing. He won't cost a single draft pick. He is cover for a recently retired Astbury and potentially allows Balta to play up forward if Riewoldt and Lynch go down (an important consideration as both Chol and CCJ are leaving). Anyhow it's a leap to assume because we are recruiting a player in his thirties for nothing that suddenly we are open to trading out our first rounders. It's just as logical to assume that we are recruiting him as cheap experienced insurance to provide cover whilst we hit the draft hard and develop more kids through our system. At least that's how a lot of us read it.

And as for our midfield. You are assuming that none of our kids will develop and step up, that we won't draft anyone with our picks that will make an immediate impact and energise the side, that with an extended rest and rehap (missing the first finals in five years) that our senior midfielders won't come back refreshed and fitter than in 2021. Just saying unless Hawthorn offers him for free it's not a zero-sum game where if Richmond doesn't want Mitchell (which seems to be the case) that it spells all doom and gloom. We've won three of the last four premierships without Mitchell, it can be done

But there lays the problem because none of your kids will even get close to the output of cotchin, prestia and Edwards through the midfield. Not one has shown any signs of natural ball winning ability , Graham who cpuld be your next captain comes off a season best year averaging 19 possessions, throw in rcd whose knock during his juniours was his struggles to accumulate and if you're hanging your hopes on dow and Ross we will see you at the bottom with us next year.

Richmond are likely not keen on him and that's fine but it's just a topic of discussion because out of every team he would suit you perfectly for another last attempt at a flag while dusty is around and in his prime. I don't think a freshen up due to not making finals will see an improvement out of your old stars.

 

[Andyy]

If RFC thinks the window is still open, Mitchell is open to it, and the price is right - then it's OK by me. I trust the club to do the right thing. My main concern is that he is 30-odd.

What's the right price? I'd probably consider trading 15 + 26 with 56 coming back our way.

Then see if Dogs would take 38 (hopefully from North for CCJ), 40, 44 & 56 (hopefully from Chol compo) for their 17/18. Would give them 425 extra points for Darcy.

Richmond can still go to the draft with 7, 17, 28 & 50 (chol compo).

 

[HeHateMe]

If RFC thinks the window is still open, Mitchell is open to it, and the price is right - then it's OK by me. I trust the club to do the right thing. My main concern is that he is 30-odd.

What's the right price? I'd probably consider trading 15 + 26 with 56 coming back our way.

Then see if Dogs would take 38 (hopefully from North for CCJ), 40, 44 & 56 (hopefully from Chol compo) for their 17/18. Would give them 425 extra points for Darcy.

Richmond can still go to the draft with 7, 17, 28 & 50 (chol compo).

Fair points from a Richmond perspective.
Btw Mitchell isn't 30 he is 28 and won't be 30 till the middle of 2023... Also 33 is the new 30 these days.

 

[The Jet From Poowong]

If RFC thinks the window is still open, Mitchell is open to it, and the price is right - then it's OK by me. I trust the club to do the right thing. My main concern is that he is 30-odd.

What's the right price? I'd probably consider trading 15 + 26 with 56 coming back our way.

Then see if Dogs would take 38 (hopefully from North for CCJ), 40, 44 & 56 (hopefully from Chol compo) for their 17/18. Would give them 425 extra points for Darcy.

Richmond can still go to the draft with 7, 17, 28 & 50 (chol compo).

Next week he'll be 32, when you provide the next update

 

[Marcel Proust]

But there lays the problem because none of your kids will even get close to the output of cotchin, prestia and Edwards through the midfield. Not one has shown any signs of natural ball winning ability , Graham who cpuld be your next captain comes off a season best year averaging 19 possessions, throw in rcd whose knock during his juniours was his struggles to accumulate and if you're hanging your hopes on dow and Ross we will see you at the bottom with us next year.

Richmond are likely not keen on him and that's fine but it's just a topic of discussion because out of every team he would suit you perfectly for another last attempt at a flag while dusty is around and in his prime. I don't think a freshen up due to not making finals will see an improvement out of your old stars.

I could see him ending up at Richmond.

Not the biggest fan but he's a good player and it makes sense on some levels.

 

[TylerDurden]

Seems the umpires have noticed Titch's return to Brownlow form. I much prefer the other metrics than umpires opinions but if the umpires see it, the coaches see it, the internal staff see it and the Hawthorn supporters see it, it has to count for something.

20 votes in his last 11 games (post-bye). Elite numbers.

Was absolutely robbed in r1 also. Had 39 touches, turned the game in the 3rd with 18 touches. He gets 0, and Draper gets 3 votes for a 10 possession game. Wtf.

Finished top 7, which should've been top 5.
Will have a better year next year.
Desperate to keep unless it's an offer we simply cannot say no to. Like GC pick 3 or something.

 

[BF Tiger]

I’m not opposed to a Mitchell in the yellow and black. I think we need an accumulator and he is proven.

Depends on the price though. Of course, if helped us to just one flag I’d give Hawthorn all our first and second round picks.

 

[northeasttiger]

How much did Hawthorn give for Mitchell in the first place?

 

[Andyy]

Next week he'll be 32, when you provide the next update

29 then, actually a year younger than I thought haha. Must be his hair.

So you'd be hoping for at least 2-3 top quality years from him at least.

Like I said - if the club is backing themselves for one last tilt then I support them throwing the sink at it. It's been a hell of a ride and if it's going to be a long time between drinks then we should get every last drop out of the current list we have.

 

[Andyy]

Fair points from a Richmond perspective.
Btw Mitchell isn't 30 he is 28 and won't be 30 till the middle of 2023... Also 33 is the new 30 these days.

Yeah I thought he was 29 going on 30. Even better at 28... you'd be thinking 2-3 years of top shelf footy at least? Even more if he ages well.

A lot of Tiger fans go on about how he and Neale get cheap ball and don't do any damage etc but what they need to realise is that Richmond really lacks an extractor. Cotchin is old and beat up, Prestia can hardly get on the park, Bolton and Dusty are probably more damaging in the forward line etc. Edwards aging, then you're left with the likes of Ross, RCD etc.

Mitchell could really complement our midfield by taking the load off guys like Cotch/Prestia.

 

[Dewyyyyy]

29 then, actually a year younger than I thought haha. Must be his hair.

So you'd be hoping for at least 2-3 top quality years from him at least.

Like I said - if the club is backing themselves for one last tilt then I support them throwing the sink at it. It's been a hell of a ride and if it's going to be a long time between drinks then we should get every last drop out of the current list we have.

28 will be 29 next year you'd get 2-3 or more good years, was in unreal form late in the year post bye. Had something like 20 votes post bye. Freak.

 

[Andyy]

28 will be 29 next year you'd get 2-3 or more good years, was in unreal form late in the year post bye. Had something like 20 votes post bye. Freak.

What do you think it would cost for Hawks to let him go?

I'm guessing you'd only agree to it because you know he doesn't fit the age profile for the team, yes?

 

[Dewyyyyy]

What do you think it would cost for Hawks to let him go?

I'm guessing you'd only agree to it because you know he doesn't fit the age profile for the team, yes?

Oh nah i want Titch to stay, it'd take us getting a big advantage in any trade for him to leave and i think Sam would say aswell. Titch will stay anyway but it'd take a good first maybe your 7? (9) and a 2nd or two late firsts. That's me being kind, if it's just off the 2nd half of 2021 it'd be so much but overall that'd be it.

 

[Andyy]

Oh nah i want Titch to stay, it'd take us getting a big advantage in any trade for him to leave and i think Sam would say aswell. Titch will stay anyway but it'd take a good first maybe your 7? (9) and a 2nd or two late firsts. That's me being kind, if it's just off the 2nd half of 2021 it'd be so much but overall that'd be it.

Hmmm.

If Tiges trade away some of their 3rd to WB for #17 (or #18, TBC).

I'd consider 15 + 17 for Mitchell + 24. Shame Hawks don't have something around that 30-35 mark to come back.

But maybe that's just me wanting a good trade for my club. I dunno.

 

[hawkman]

Was absolutely robbed in r1 also. Had 39 touches, turned the game in the 3rd with 18 touches. He gets 0, and Draper gets 3 votes for a 10 possession game. Wtf.

Finished top 7, which should've been top 5.
Will have a better year next year.
Desperate to keep unless it's an offer we simply cannot say no to. Like GC pick 3 or something.

Didn't think he was best on in Round 4 so he got at least 1 or 2 back then and Howe was clearly best on against the Dogs, so he got some back that he probably shouldn't have

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Didn't think he was best on in Round 4 so he got at least 1 or 2 back then and Howe was clearly best on against the Dogs, so he got some back that he probably shouldn't have

Howe was probs best on but he was 2nd. So it's a 1 vote difference, i thought he was best on v Freo or atleast 2nd so that's fair. 2-3 from R1 well 3 would give him a top 5 finish.

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Hmmm.

If Tiges trade away some of their 3rd to WB for #17 (or #18, TBC).

I'd consider 15 + 17 for Mitchell + 24. Shame Hawks don't have something around that 30-35 mark to come back.

But maybe that's just me wanting a good trade for my club. I dunno.

It'd be 15 + 17 for Titch. even then that's a stretch as they are back back end of round 1. A pick 7 and 2nd rounder for Titch would be good. Just nothing get sent back

 

[Tedeski]

It'd be 15 + 17 for Titch. even then that's a stretch as they are back back end of round 1. A pick 7 and 2nd rounder for Titch would be good. Just nothing get sent back

Tom will be 29 at the start of the season.
That was a very bad leg break too which would have shortened his career.

Think what you gave up for JOM as a 22-23 YO.

No one's giving you much for Tom. At best a pick in the early 20's which you won't accept.

 

[Prochard123]

Didnt he say he was staying

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Didnt he say he was staying

He did, multiple times.

 

[hawkman]

Didnt he say he was staying

Yes

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Tom will be 29 at the start of the season.
That was a very bad leg break too which would have shortened his career.

Think what you gave up for JOM as a 22-23 YO.

No one's giving you much for Tom. At best a pick in the early 20's which you won't accept.

He turns 29 in May btw, nah it really hasn't it's taken 1 year off it at his prime but it doesn't seem to affect him at all now, literally dominated the post bye season.

We over paid for JOM who had heaps of talent and was injured a fair bit, Titch is fully healthy and was dominating and has a great past aswell. A pick in the 20s? god jesus i didn't think i'd meet someone with such a shit take. Jog on.