Sam Mitchell, the head coach of the Hawthorn Football Club, showed a rare and vulnerable side during a recent live interview, breaking down in tears as he reflected on his coaching career with the Hawks. Mitchell, a former player and one of Hawthorn’s most celebrated figures, has faced intense challenges since transitioning from an outstanding playing career to the demanding role of head coach. His emotional moment provided a glimpse into the highs and lows of his journey as both a player and a coach at the storied club.
The interview was intended to focus on the team’s upcoming season and Mitchell’s goals for the future. However, as the conversation shifted towards his personal experiences as a coach and the difficulties of leading a team in the highly competitive Australian Football League (AFL), Mitchell became visibly emotional. Reflecting on the immense pressures of coaching and the emotional toll it has taken on him, Mitchell admitted that the journey has not always been easy.
“There’s a lot of weight that comes with this role,” Mitchell said through tears. “You want to do right by the club, by the players, and by the fans. There are moments where it’s really tough, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Mitchell took over as head coach of Hawthorn in 2021, following in the footsteps of the legendary Alastair Clarkson, under whom Mitchell played for much of his career. Clarkson led the Hawks to four premierships, and Mitchell was tasked with continuing that legacy while managing the challenges of rebuilding the team. In the interview, Mitchell spoke about the pressure that came with that transition and how it has shaped him as a coach.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy stepping into such big shoes,” Mitchell said. “But I believe in the vision we have for this club, and I know the players believe in it too. It’s about building something that will last and bringing Hawthorn back to where we belong.”
Despite some tough seasons and the expectations that come with coaching a club of Hawthorn’s stature, Mitchell emphasized how rewarding the process has been. He expressed deep appreciation for his players, the coaching staff, and the club’s unwavering fanbase. “I couldn’t do this without the people around me,” he said. “The players give their all every week, and the fans stick with us no matter what. That support means the world to me.”
Mitchell’s passion for the club and his desire to lead Hawthorn back to the top of the AFL ladder was evident throughout the interview. As a former captain and club legend, his connection to the Hawks runs deep, and he admitted that the emotional weight of wanting to succeed for the club he loves can sometimes be overwhelming. “Hawthorn is my family,” Mitchell said, his voice breaking. “I want nothing more than to see us succeed, to see these players achieve their potential, and to make the fans proud.”
His emotional breakdown resonated with fans, many of whom took to social media to show their support for the coach. Mitchell’s vulnerability was praised as a testament to his dedication to the club and the immense personal investment he has made in ensuring Hawthorn’s success. His willingness to open up about the emotional challenges of coaching provided a rare insight into the personal side of a profession often dominated by results and scrutiny.
As Hawthorn looks ahead to the future, Mitchell’s leadership will continue to be central to the club’s efforts to return to AFL glory. His emotional reflection on his career serves as a reminder of the human side of coaching, where the drive to succeed is often accompanied by deep personal commitment and sacrifice. With his passion for the Hawks evident in every word, Sam Mitchell remains determined to guide the team through its rebuild and toward sustained success.