Sam Mitchell has “effectively taken a bullet” for the Hawthorn Football Club, according to a former teammate who slammed critics accusing the coach of “a form of tanking”.
Just two weeks into the 2023 season, the Hawks are losing by an average of 70 points after culling more than 1400 games of experience last off-season.
As a result of the heavy list cull, the Hawks are struggling early this year with Mitchell left looking despondent in the box after the loss to Sydney.
Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
But Mitchell’s Hawks premiership teammate Jordan Lewis has hit out at the coach’s critics.
“I will always stand up for Sam Mitchell because I believe in what he’s done to this football club,” he said on AFL 360.
“People will comment about how deep do you cut this list … I think it needed to happen.
Movement in Hawks racism scandal | 01:26
“I don’t think they are a better team right now with (Jaeger) O’Meara or (Tom) Mitchell in it.
“He’s effectively taken a bullet for right now to be progressively better in three to five years.
“To say he’s tanking or deliberately losing, I think that’s offensive.
RELATED
HOT TOPIC: Proof Hawks’ trade gamble was worthwhile
NOT EASY: The risks in Hawks’ bold trade strategy have been laid bare
‘FORM OF TANKING’: Wilson slams Hawks management as club flails
“I have the fortune to know the person as well – he’s probably the most competitive person I’ve ever come across. From a player, but then as a coach – you don’t get in that position if you aren’t competitive.
“He understands they are not playing their best.
“They are not doing that, that’s the disappointment.”
Lewis said if Mitchell can survive a few seasons of hardship, he’ll have set the club up for success.
Hawks racism claim takes new turn | 02:16
“(Damien) Hardwick’s done it, (Alastair) Clarkson’s done it,” Lewis explained.
“If he can (overcome the losses) within that period of time then he’ll hopefully get over the hill and see the rewards.”
Mitchell was full of praise for his team despite the heavy 81-point defeat inflicted by the Swans on Sunday.
His side won the tackle count and matched last year’s grand finalists in contested ball.
“The players after the game had an understanding of what happened today and they were quite hard on each other about the spirit and that they didn’t produce it for long enough, and while I’ve got the players pushing for it then it’s not going to be a concern,” Mitchell said.
“The group is a spirited group, they’re all really close, they’re all really good friends, they spend a lot of time together and for the most part they do play for each other, we just haven’t seen that come to fruition yet but it’s two rounds in.”
