Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says his side is refusing to think about its upcoming AFL bye as the Hawks prepare for a major Friday night clash against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG. Sitting third on the ladder after a dominant win over St Kilda, Hawthorn enters the match in strong form but faces a Bulldogs side that has rediscovered momentum. Mitchell believes the focus must remain entirely on stopping Marcus Bontempelli and the Bulldogs midfield.
The Hawks will start favourites but Mitchell made clear that any discussion about rest or recovery can wait.
“What bye? That's kind of our attitude. We have to perform well,” Mitchell said before Wednesday training.
“We will talk about what we do after the game, after the game.”
Mitchell wants complete focus on Bulldogs challenge
Hawthorn enters the contest after a strong run of form, but Mitchell says players are not allowing themselves to look beyond Friday night.
The coach explained that planning for the break has been discussed internally but only after business is handled on the field.
“We have chatted about, let's put some time aside to figure out what everyone wants to do over their break.”
“But let's not refresh before. Let's refresh when it's time to refresh.”
“Over the next 60 hours we have one focus and that's taking down the Dogs. Then after that, we can do it with a smile on our face if we get a good result.”
The comments highlight the importance Hawthorn is placing on maintaining momentum heading into the middle part of the season.
Bontempelli remains biggest concern for Hawks
Mitchell reserved special praise for Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, placing him among the elite players of the modern era.
The Hawthorn coach previously described Max Gawn as one of the generation's standout players and said Bontempelli belongs in the same conversation.
“I think I called Max Gawn the player of this generation. Paddy Dangerfield was probably disappointed with me saying that,” Mitchell said.
“Bont is probably in the same category. Those guys are absolutely first class.”
When asked to rank the three stars, Mitchell avoided giving a direct answer.
“I will let that go through to the keeper. Bont this week.”
The Bulldogs captain headlines a midfield group that has returned to form after a difficult stretch earlier this season.
Bulldogs midfield presents major test
Western Bulldogs have responded strongly after enduring a four game losing streak.
With Tim English back in the side, they have won three of their last four matches and arrive at the MCG with renewed confidence.
Mitchell said the challenge extends beyond Bontempelli alone.
He pointed to Ed Richards, Ryley Sanders and Matt Kennedy as players performing strongly through the middle.
“When we can't win the contest against a team like the Bulldogs, you're really going to struggle for territory,” Mitchell said.
“We've seen we don't play our best footy if we don't control that part of the game.”
Injury boost gives Hawthorn confidence
One advantage for Hawthorn is the improving health of its list.
Will Day returned successfully last week while Tom Barrass and Conor Nash are both close to returning.
Mitchell acknowledged that having quality players available significantly improves coaching life.
“The best way to be a really good coach is to have really good players and have them all healthy.”
The combination of strong form and improving availability has contributed to Hawthorn establishing itself among the competition's leading teams.
Watson goal rule still under discussion
Mitchell also revealed ongoing discussions with the AFL regarding the decision to disallow Nick Watson's halftime goal during last week's match.
The goal was overturned because Watson ran off the line before kicking.
Mitchell said he viewed the issue more as a rule interpretation discussion than an officiating mistake.
“I didn't think it was an umpiring issue. I thought it was a rule issue.”
“It's getting closer to a resolution.”
For now, however, Hawthorn's attention remains fixed on Friday night and a significant challenge from a Bulldogs team beginning to build momentum again.