Hawthorn has strengthened its coaching panel ahead of season 2022, securing the services of West Coast Assistant Coach Adrian Hickmott and extending the contract of current Assistant Chris Newman.

Hickmott, a former Carlton and Geelong player, joins the Hawks as an assistant coach having spent the last 10 years at the Eagles.

The 49-year-old performed a variety of assistant coaching roles at West Coast during his tenure, including backline coach, contested ball coordinator during the 2018 premiership season and midfield coach in 2021.

Hickmott’s appointment provides the club with an additional assistant coach compared to 2021.

Head of Football Rob McCartney welcomed Hickmott’s arrival to Waverley Park.

“Adrian has a wealth of coaching knowledge, including working as part of the Eagles’ premiership coaching team in 2018,” McCartney said.

“He is a highly accomplished coach, with a proven ability to develop and nurture young talent which will be pivotal as our club continues to transition through this stage of on-field growth.

Hickmott will officially commence his role in November when Hawthorn begins its pre-season.

Working alongside Hickmott in the brown and gold will be long-time Hawks Assistant and VFL Premiership Coach Chris Newman who has re-signed with the club for a further two years as an assistant coach.

McCartney highlighted the pivotal work Newman has contributed across his time thus far at the Hawks.

“Since coming to Hawthorn, Newy has continued to develop and grow as a coach,” said McCartney.

“He joined us in 2016 as a development coach, he coached Box Hill to the VFL Premiership in 2018 and he has performed a number of roles as an assistant coach.

“Most recently he has played a pivotal role in the development of young defenders such as Jiath, Hardwick, Scrimshaw, Grainger-Barras and Day. He builds strong relationships with his players and is a skilled teacher of the game.”