Hawthorn shares health update on head coach.

Hawthorn head coach Sam Mitchell will gradually return to the club as he recovers from a severe case of pneumonia contracted while on holiday in America late last year.

“Sam’s health has improved since his discharge from the hospital, and he will return to Melbourne with his family later this week,” said Executive General Manager of Football, Rob McCartney. “Although this is a positive step, Sam still needs more time to regain full fitness and health.”

Mitchell, who spent Christmas in a New York hospital, will continue his recovery at home this week. McCartney mentioned that Mitchell, 41, would be slowly reintroduced to the football program, with the club prioritizing his health.

“Sam will initially have a phased return to his role, spending time in our program early in the week while continuing to rest as needed,” McCartney stated. “Our priority is ensuring Sam recovers fully and quickly, and we are confident this phased return will support that.”

The club emphasized that their strong coaching group would handle increased responsibilities during Mitchell’s absence. “I’m confident that when Sam is not present, they will continue to prepare our team for the 2024 season,” McCartney added.

Mitchell fell ill while on holiday in America and was hospitalized over the Christmas period due to a severe case of pneumonia. He will initially return in a part-time capacity.

Mitchell took over as Hawthorn’s head coach two seasons ago, succeeding Alistair Clarkson. He has been rebuilding the team with young and inexperienced players. The Hawks have won 15 games during Mitchell’s 45-game tenure. After retiring in 2017, Mitchell started coaching as an assistant at West Coast Eagles before returning to Hawthorn in various roles, eventually becoming the senior head coach.

In 2023, Hawthorn finished near the bottom of the ladder with seven wins, but Mitchell’s inventive and attacking style earned praise. He has been leading the club’s aggressive rebuild in the off-season, bringing in players like Jack Ginnivan, Jack Gunston, Mabior Chol, and Massimo D’Ambrosio.