‘Get used to it’: Hawks captain backs recruiting raid
Shayne Hope |
Hawthorn captain James Sicily has backed Sam Mitchell’s aggressive recruiting approach, welcoming the prospect of joining forces with Zach Merrett next season.
Mitchell caused a huge stir last week when details emerged of his meeting with the Essendon captain.
The Bombers remain adamant Merrett won’t be traded under any circumstances, with the star midfielder contracted until the end of 2027.
But there is clear interest from the 29-year-old in moving to a club in the premiership window, and the Hawks, led by an unapologetic Mitchell, are keen.
“It was a bit of a circus, but you’d be kicking yourself if you didn’t try to get players of that calibre into your footy club,” Sicily told AAP when quizzed on Mitchell’s meeting with Merrett.
“We’ve done it with Tom Barrass and Josh Battle (last year), and I think that’s just a part of the game nowadays.
“It’s something that you’ve got to get used to and you’ve got to expect as well.
“No doubt it’s going to happen on our end where players are going to meet with other teams and other coaches to see if the grass is greener.
“That’s just something that I feel is going to be the norm.”
Mitchell also ruffled feathers early this season when details leaked about a private meeting with West Coast captain Oscar Allen.
The fourth-year Hawks coach said last Saturday he has no regrets over sitting down with Merrett, insisting he will continue to “improve this club in any way I see fit”.
Sicily said the Merrett saga had not had any significant effect on Hawthorn’s current playing group or been much of a distraction during their finals campaign.
“We don’t think about it too much, other than we’re a chance to get a bloody good player,” Sicily said.
“We were saying the same thing when we were a chance to get the two boys that we got last year.
“Everyone wants to play with players that are going to make them better and make the team better.”
Hawthorn have a strong recent history of improving players who have arrived from other clubs, including ruckman Lloyd Meek and key forward Mabior Chol.
It could be a selling point to potential recruits, but Sicily laughed off suggestions that might be part of the pitch to five-time Essendon best-and-fairest winner Merrett.
“He’d probably win a Brownlow then if he came. I suppose that’s the only thing that he could get,” Sicily said.
There is also the carrot of an elusive premiership medal for 251-game veteran Merrett, who hasn’t played in a winning final.
Hawthorn are well set up to contend for years to come, but Sicily’s immediate focus is on this season’s flag and the preliminary final against Geelong on Friday night.
More than 90,000 fans are expected at the MCG for the blockbuster clash between the arch-rivals.
“I’ve never played in a prelim. We had a team meeting to speak about the week and I got a bit nervous, which is nice,” Sicily said.
“I haven’t felt many nerves for a long time, so it’s going to be an exciting time, a great game and a big atmosphere. I’m looking forward to it.”
AAP
