Bolton in new role at Hawks

Axed by the Blues, Tasmanian named new coaching director

FORMER Carlton coach Brendon Bolton is a Hawk again, with the Tasmanian appointed Hawthorn’s new director of coaching.

Bolton was assistant coach to coach Alastair Clarkson before heading to the Blues and helped guide the Hawks to three consecutive flags from 2013 to 2015.

Bolton left the Hawks on the eve of the 2015 finals to be senior coach of Carlton, before being axed mid this season.

“I’m really eager to return to Hawthorn and take on my next challenge,” Bolton said.

“I return to the Hawks with a wealth of new experiences, learning and knowledge and I’m really excited about the opportunity to help Hawthorn improve.

“My love of football is as strong as ever and the chance to work with the Hawks’ coaching group is something that really excites me.

“Hawthorn feels like home for me and my family and we are incredibly happy to be back in the brown and gold.”

Hawthorn senior coach Clarkson said the club was delighted to welcome Bolton back to the fold. “Bolts is a quality character and we are thrilled to have him back at the Hawks,” Clarkson said.

“In his time at Hawthorn, he displayed a fantastic ability to build strong relationships with the playing and coaching groups, and his teaching background enables him to excel in assisting people with their development.

“Having the opportunity to be a senior coach, Bolts has gained invaluable experience and knowledge that will help us in taking our coaching group to that next level.”

Meanwhile, Hawthorn great Shane Crawford says Sam Mitchell is ready to be a senior coach, insisting clubs would be “crazy” not to consider him.

Mitchell this season returned to Hawthorn as an assistant after a season at West Coast in which he helped guide the Eagles to a flag as midfield coach.

“I think he’s saying ‘not yet’ because I think it’s going to cause a lot of trouble at Hawthorn if he says ‘I’m ready’ … but how do you out ‘Clarko’ who’s an absolute genius and should stay there for life,” Crawford said on SEN Breakfast yesterday.

“He’s probably going to say ‘Oh I need a few more years’ but it’s all about timing. If he thinks it’s the right club I think he’d jump at it.”

St Kilda and Fremantle are still to announce permanent coaching replacements, while Don Pyke is on shaky ground at the Adelaide Crows.