Sam Mitchell has declared that it might be a “waste of 20 years“ if Hawthorn’s relationship with Tasmania ceases when the 19th AFL team enters the competition and hopes his club can build a rivalry with the new side.
The Hawthorn coach said the AFL’s announcement on Wednesday that Tasmania had secured an AFL licence came with mixed emotions given the Hawks had more than 8000 members in the region.
Mitchell said it was his job to ensure the club retained as many members as possible and was excited by the prospect of a rivalry between the two sides in the Apple Isle.
It comes just a week after captain James Sicily apologised for saying he “couldn’t imagine” dwelling in Tasmania as an AFL participant.
Mitchell stays hopeful the Hawks will preserve a relationship with Tasmania as soon as they be part of the competitors in 2028.
“I think they deserve the team, I’ve been going there and we’ve been going there for the best part of 20 years and the passion that they have for the sport, I think it is fantastic that they’ve got a licence,” Mitchell mentioned.
“There’s a part of me – I’m the coach of Hawthorn – we’ve got over 8000 members there, we’re going to do everything we can to keep them supporting Hawthorn.
“I’m probably a bit on my own thinking that they are a competitor right now. Everyone else is very supportive, we are and it is great that they have a licence, but I think my job is to try and retain as many of those Hawthorn fans as we can and build a bit of a rivalry because when we go there it is our home, but pretty soon that will be quite a different feeling which will be a challenge for the Hawthorn fans down there.
“I think the players and certainly the coaches and how we go about it down there is enjoyable, it does feel homely. And I think it would be sad and a waste of 20 years of work in the community to throw it all away and step away completely from Tasmania.
“So I hope that we can continue to build a relationship – when we play against Tassie I think there will be something to that in 2028. I’m really happy for them that they get their own team, but by the same token, please keep going for the Hawks.”
Mitchell confirmed that veteran goalkicker Luke Breust and rebounding defender Changkuoth Jiath would each be managed for the journey west to face Fremantle.
“Luke Breust and CJ have been just getting up for every game, but they’ll both be managed this week and hopefully just to get their bodies back on top of it,” he mentioned.
Hawthorn has a comparatively clear invoice of well being, with solely 4 gamers on its damage listing. Ruckman Max Lynch is again on the membership doing mild workout routines after his newest occasion of concussion.
Originally printed as Hawthorn needs to construct a rivalry with new Tasmanian staff after two-decade presence
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
