From one Hawks’ home away from home to another’s goal-kicking quirk, there was plenty of interesting chats to come out of the Hawks who featured in the media this week. 

Did you miss them? We've got you covered with our weekly recap! 

Sam Mitchell – SEN  

Joining SEN on Friday morning, Sam Mitchell spoke about the season so far as a first-year coach.

“I feel good, I think this is a good time of year now where you start to get into a rhythm,” he said.

“I think you get a level of work fitness at this time of year, player’s start to get to that point where they start to get into the rhythm of the season too.”

Quizzed on the difference in length of his post-game press conferences for a win compared to a loss, Mitchell made light of the observation.

“It’s a good question, it’s you guys (the media) that dictates the length,” Mitchell joked.  

“I think everyone likes to talk about their wins more than their losses, I think there is more interest in a win than a loss.

“But I will keep it in mind though, when we have a good win this week, I’ll cut it at five.”

 James Sicily – press conference

 Speaking to the media ahead of his 100th game on Saturday, Sicily said he felt proud to reach the milestone.

“I would’ve liked to get there a little quicker, but (I faced some setbacks) though injury and what not,” Sicily said.

“I’m equally excited to be captain for the first time, I think I’m going to enjoy the challenge that comes with that.”

Sicily said he considers himself as an empowering figure with his teammates.

“I think I’ve got strong relationships within the club, which allows me to have some good conversations,” he said.

“Whether that be a challenging conversation, or one to just give someone a cuddle and encourage them to keep going.”

Conor Nash – Tasmania Talks  

Conor Nash featured on Tasmania Talks where he spoke about his journey from Gaelic football to the AFL.

“I had contact with some people from the AFL from the age 15 but there were no promises that I would be offered a contract when I turned 18,” Nash said.

“I am still learning the game. The main difference is that Gaelic football is played with a round ball compared to the oval ball the AFL uses.

“At some stage I would love to go back and play Gaelic football in Ireland again, but at the moment I am really enjoying life in Australia and the game of AFL.”

Nash recognised the popularity of football among Irish players continues to increase.

“This year there is plenty of Irish men and women players. There has been many more before me and many more after me,” Nash said.

“A lot of people know about AFL over in Ireland and they really enjoy watching it.”

Nash also spoke the link between Tasmania and Ireland, following his side’s first game in Tasmania for the season last weekend.

“The Tassie fans are great people and great supporters,” Nash said.  

“Tasmania, it’s a home away from home, it’s a bit greener and more open.”

Click here to here more from Nash's interview. 

Dylan Moore - RSN  

Dylan Moore featured on RSN where he spoke about his appreciation for Coach Sam Mitchell’s knowledge of the game.  

“Sam is an absolute footy nerd. He knows so much about the game,” Moore said.

“Sam gives us a really clear picture of what he thinks the game will look like.

“He gives us confidence going into the game. Knowing ahead of the game what it's going to look like is really helpful."

Moore also shed light on his goal-kicking quirk, noting that he changes his hand position on the ball when scoring from different distances. 

“I change the ball position depending on the distance, I just get the feel of it,” Moore said.  

“I practice snaps more than I practice my set shots at the moment.”

Jai Newcombe – 3AW Sports day 

Newcombe spoke with Sam and Gerad on Sports Day about the transition from the VFL to the AFL, having experienced a whirlwind journey in the last 12 months.

“The VFL jump to AFL is quite big. I felt a lot better after having an AFL pre-season. I am feeling more comfortable adjusting to the jump this year compared to last year,” Newcombe said.   

After completing part of an apprenticeship prior to football, Sam and Gerad were curious about Newcombe’s favourite tool.  

“My favourite was probably the nail gun. There is not too much bulk labour,” he said.