Mitchell blow ‘chance for young Hawks’

JACK Gunston has challenged Hawthorn’s next generation to step up and fill the likely season-long void left by Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell.

The Hawks’ premiership aspirations were dealt a devastating blow as Mitchell suffered a broken tibia and fibula at training at training on Friday.

Gunston admitted the prolific ball-getter would be sorely missed but insisted the club was well prepared to cope.

“It’s pretty hard to replace a Brownlow medallist and twotime best and fairest,” the 27year-old forward said yesterday.

“The beauty of the last couple of years is we’ve had the (James) Worpals, the James Cousins, the Dan Howes that have been able to get exposure and get continual games.

“I guess a spot opens up now for them and it’s a good opportunity for them to grab that with both hands.”

But the sidelined 111-gamer, who joined Hawthorn from Sydney after the 2016 season, will still have a part to play as the Hawks attempt to atone for last year’s finals exit.

“I’m sure he’ll be in (assistant coach) Sam Mitchell’s pocket with the midfielders, and probably doing a little bit of coaching on the side,” Gunston said.