Sam Mitchell Admits Being 'Torn' Over Jarryd Roughead's Adelaide AFL Job Link
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has openly confessed to feeling conflicted following reports that his close friend and colleague, Jarryd Roughead, is a leading contender for the vacant list manager position at the Adelaide Crows. The Crows are actively searching for a new list boss after Justin Reid departed last month to join the AFL, creating an opportunity that has put Roughead in the spotlight.
Mitchell's Mixed Emotions on Roughead's Potential Move
Roughead currently serves as Hawthorn's trade and free agency player acquisition manager, working under list boss Mark McKenzie. Mitchell and Roughead share a storied history, having won four premierships together as teammates, and they remain tight-knit friends off the field. In a candid statement, Mitchell revealed his complex feelings about the situation.
"I am across that, Roughy and I work together of course but we're also good mates," Mitchell said. "There's a part of me that's like 'Rough! You're talking to Adelaide? Come on, man' but there's a part of me that I know his career aspirations. He wants to work his way up the ladder and he's done a great job for us and continues to do that."
Mitchell emphasized that Hawthorn aims to foster an environment where staff can thrive, which naturally attracts interest from other clubs. "I think at Hawthorn we want our people to do the best they can and do a great job, and if we do that well, create an environment where our people are thriving, then it's inevitable that other clubs are going to come knocking on the door," he explained.
However, the coach admitted to a personal dilemma: "As his friend, I hope he goes really well and they appoint him and he can have fantastic growth, but as the Hawthorn coach I am like 'please give it to someone else, I'd love to keep him for us'. I am rapt as friend he's involved in that but I am torn a bit both ways."
Hawthorn's Fitness Boost Ahead of AFL Season Opener
In other news, Hawthorn is set to receive a significant boost with key defender Tom Barrass expected to prove his fitness for the upcoming AFL season opener against GWS. Barrass had been sore after playing for Western Australia in the State of Origin game, but Mitchell expressed confidence in his availability.
"I expect him (Barrass) to get up. He'll do a couple of extra things to make sure he's OK, but we were conservative (to) make sure he's ready to go," Mitchell said. "He's not a guy who has to play every minute of the pre-season to get himself right, he's an experienced campaigner."
Additionally, new co-captain Jai Newcombe will be available after his rough conduct charge was downgraded at the tribunal from a one-game ban to a fine, providing further depth for the Hawks.
Reflections on Pre-Season and Upcoming Challenge
Hawthorn enters the unknown after a pre-season loss to the Western Bulldogs, but Mitchell maintained a pragmatic outlook. "I don't know, it's hard to read into pre-season. Sometimes you fly through pre-season and struggle early," he noted. "I'm yet to find anyone who's very confident in how they think their team is placed at this time of year. So we don't have long to find out, which is a blessing for all of us."
The team reviewed their performance against the Bulldogs with level heads, focusing on areas for improvement. "We reviewed it (Bulldogs) pragmatically ... 'if we improve these things and do these things well, we're likely to get a better response. If we continue to do these things, then we're going to struggle against any team, let alone the Bulldogs or Giants'," Mitchell added.
GWS Injuries and Hawthorn's Historical Edge
GWS will field a team missing several key players, including star onballer Tom Green, who is out for the season due to a knee reconstruction. Mitchell acknowledged that recruit Clayton Oliver could serve as an obvious replacement for Green, and Finn Callaghan might return, but he warned against underestimating the Giants.
"They bat really deep. We looked at their (team) this morning, we were chatting through their possible line-up, there's no-one out there who's not more than capable," Mitchell said.
Hawthorn secured their first win at ENGIE Stadium in last September's elimination final against the Giants, and Mitchell expressed hope that this could mark the beginning of a positive trend. "Hopefully that is the start of something," he concluded.
