Hawthorn footy boss Graham Wright says pick 14 was fair compensation for Tom Mitchell at that particular juncture of his career.
Mitchell – who recently claimed his maiden Brownlow Medal - left Sydney to join the Hawks at the end of the 2016 season after playing a subdued role in a star-studded Swans side.
“Tom obviously wasn’t All-Australian at that particular time, and he wasn’t starting in the midfield for Sydney,” Wright told SEN’s Time On.
“He was playing as a high half-forward then coming up and playing as a fifth on-baller.
“I think all through that year I can’t recall many games where he actually started in the middle of the ground – such was the strength of the Sydney midfield at that particular time.
“He wasn’t at the level he’s at now, so it might look like a good deal for us, but at the time it was probably the right deal for Sydney as well.
THE MOMENT HAWTHORN DECIDED TO SWOOP FOR MITCHELL
LACK OF OPPORTUNITY FORCED MITCHELL TO LEAVE SYDNEY
“They did pretty well out of the pick that we gave them.”
After receiving pick 14, Sydney on-traded that pick to Port Adelaide that resulted in them landing exciting youngsters Oliver Florent and Will Hayward.
Listen to Graham Wright’s chat on SEN’s Time On with Sam McClure in the player below