Mitchell: The genius Magpie destined for AFL coaching

Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell has named the former teammate he believes is destined for AFL coaching once his playing career comes to an end.

Mitchell, who played for three clubs before retiring at the end of the 2025 season, has one of the best footy minds in modern football.

From tactical breakdowns with Channel 7 and now, Trade Radio, Mitchell has an understanding for the game that very few could comprehend.

However, across his 207-game career at the highest level, Mitchell believes that one man – who played a significant role in his 2023 premiership charge with Collingwood – stands above the rest, boasting one of the game's great footy brains.

“Jeremy Howe,” Mitchell told Trade Radio.

“He will be a coach one day if that’s what he wants to go into.

“He is so smart, and he is able to break it down into simple terms. He also thinks in an innovative way.

“It’s not often as an experienced player you hear, ‘huh, never thought of that’, or you actually learn something. You’re sort of across everything that goes on.

“Sometimes he will make a comment or say something and it makes you think, ‘that’s actually pretty smart, I haven’t thought of that before.’”

In the twilight of his career, the Magpies veteran could be destined for a role in the coaching box.

But before that, Tom Morris wonders whether a last-gasp run out in his home state could be on the cards.

“He is 36 years old; he will turn 37 halfway through next year,” Morris said.

“I wonder whether there’s a world – and he denied this earlier in the year – whether he becomes a first signing for Tasmania. If he plays one year for Tassie in their first year.

“He is from there, and he said there’s absolutely no way about six months ago. He said he’s only got one year in him, max.

“But if he gets through 2027, what an achievement it would be to play one year, even one game for Tassie.”

Mitchell couldn’t agree more.

“Play 10 games for the season, set them up behind the ball, be an on-field coach… I think that’s a great call.”

Earlier this year, Morris asked the 36-year-old if there’s any possibility of lining up for Tasmania in Round 1 of 2028.

He could not have been clearer in his answer.

“No chance!” Howe told Seven’s The Agenda Setters.

“I won’t be playing in two years’ time, no doubt.

“At the moment, my body feels healthy, but the way I finished last year I was pretty broken up as well.

“I don’t like the cliches, because I frown at them, but I am literally just trying to get through the main session tomorrow!”