Just seven months after landing a second chance at Hawthorn via the Rookie Draft, promising youngster Seamus Mitchell has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the club.
The defender has had a number of strong performances in the AFL this year, playing 10 of 11 games since making his long-awaited debut in Round 5.
The contract extension, which will see Mitchell remain in the brown and gold until at least the end of 2025, marks an impressive turnaround for the 21-year-old who was delisted only in November.
Mitchell managed just nine VFL games across two seasons after battling several injuries since joining the club with Pick 29 in the 2020 AFL Draft.
But since getting a reprieve late last year, the forward-turned-defender has flourished in his new role in his first season.
He has averaged 20.2 disposals across his past five appearances – he missed the game against Port Adelaide due to illness – and has had four games where he has recorded 20 disposals or more.
Mitchell produced his best game in Round 9 when he collected 27 touches and nine rebound 50s against Melbourne at the MCG.
Hawthorn National List and Recruiting Manager Mark McKenzie said Mitchell's signature helps to shape another important part of the club's future.
“Seamus keeps going from strength-to-strength in his development, he has been a real shining light for the club this season, becoming a vital part of our backline," McKenzie said.
"Not only has he performed strongly defensively against several elite small forwards just ten games into his career, but with his exceptional ball use and dashing pace, he has also quickly become a crucial link player coming out of defence.
“With a great willingness to improve, an impressive footy IQ and electric speed, we believe Seamus has a very bright future in the brown and gold and we look forward to watching his career progress in the years to come."
Mitchell joins a growing list of key Hawks who have re-signed this year, including Jarman Impey, Will Day, James Sicily, Jai Newcombe, Mitch Lewis, Dylan Moore, Sam Butler, Ned Reeves, Cam Mackenzie, Max Ramsden, Josh Ward and Connor Macdonald.
