Champion Mitchell ready for coaching
WEST Coast veteran Sam Mitchell is convinced his decision to retire is a good call, saying he wouldn’t have played on next season even if coach Adam Simpson begged him to.
Mitchell will hang up his “little waddle and the little size nine” boots at the end of the AFL season before taking up a coaching role at the club.
The exact nature of the coaching role is yet to be determined, but Mitchell is contracted to the Eagles for the next three years.
Mitchell crossed from Hawthorn to the Eagles in a shock trade last year.
He’s eyeing a fifth premiership, despite West Coast currently sitting in eighth spot on the ladder.
Mitchell is confident the Eagles can mount a late-season charge. The 180cm midfielder has been one of West Coast’s best players this season, averaging 27 disposals across 16 games.
But with his passion for coaching now exceeding his thirst to play, Mitchell said it was the right time to retire.
“On Monday mornings I wake up and I’ve got some coaching responsibilities and some playing responsibilities,” Mitchell explained.
“The idea of opening my computer and doing the coaching side of things is a bit more exciting, and the passion for that has outgrown the passion to jump in the pool to do my own recovery. I’m really comfortable with the decision. Even if Simmo said we’re desperate for you to play next season, I’d say, ‘Thanks, but no thanks mate’.
“I think another year would be one too many.
“I’m genuinely excited about coaching. I can’t wait to get my teeth into it.”
Mitchell’s retirement comes five days after fellow Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis announced 2017 would be his final season.
Drew Petrie is also set to retire at the end of the season, while the futures of premiership defender Sam Butler, Eric Mackenzie, Josh Hill, and Mark LeCras remain undecided.
Mitchell has played 323 games, won four premierships, been named an AllAustralian on three occasions, and was awarded the 2012 Brownlow Medal after Jobe Watson was stripped of the honour.
“He’s all class. His biggest asset is his brain,” coach Simpson said.
“Not too many people can change the way the game’s played, and I think he was part of that.”
THE IDEA OF OPENING MY COMPUTER AND DOING THE COACHING SIDE OF THINGS IS A BIT MORE EXCITING ... SAM MITCHELL