Hawthorn coach open to calls ahead of contract year

Sam Mitchell would take a call from a rival club if he was approached.

Mitchell is out of contract at the end of 2027 and though early chats have commenced on a fresh deal, he is yet to be formally offered an extension.

It's understood discussions were paused recently by mutual agreement, though they are expected to recommence soon.

Mitchell is loyal to the Hawks but is believed to be open to the best deal which would set him and his family up long term beyond the end of 2027.

Tasmania denies they've approached him, though Mitchell's connections to the state go back to his playing days.

Speaking on Triple M on Friday, Devils boss Brendon Gale didn't publicly rule out making a play for an established senior coach.

Another wrinkle with Mitchell relates to his relationship with club president Andy Gowers.

Gowers recently apologised to Mitchell for using his image to promote a corporate getaway in Queensland.

The pair's relationship is at best steady, which makes Hawthorn chief Ashley Klein's role in negotiations even more important.

It's understood Hawthorn is keen to lock in Mitchell before the beginning of next season.

Carlton is wildcard. Its CEO, Graham Wright, famously tried to poach Mitchell from under Hawthorn's nose in 2021 to coach Collingwood.

This forced the Hawks into action, with the ultimately unsuccessful succession plan behind Alastair Clarkson initiated as a result of Wright's approach.

Mitchell has a 51 percent winning record with the Hawks.