Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has expressed his emphatic support to coach-in-waiting Sam Mitchell as he reaffirms his commitment to working alongside the former club captain over the next 15 months.

The club announced earlier this month that it will implement a succession plan which will see Clarkson see out his current contract, before handing the senior coaching role to Mitchell from 2023 onwards.

Speaking with the media on Friday, Clarkson said it was “unbelievably exciting” that Mitchell would be taking over the reins in 2023.

“I couldn’t be more delighted in the sense that another product of our footy club is going to be senior coaching in the AFL post-2022,” Clarkson said.

"He's got my full support, he's had it for 17 years, and he's got it beyond the next 18 months.

“I’d love our supporters, our members and even the wider football community, to applaud Sam Mitchell for the involvement that he's had at our club, but in the game to date.”

ROUND 19 TEAM: Lock it in! Hawks confirm three big ins

Clarkson said he was committed to collaborating with Mitchell over the next 15 months until the coaching transition at the end of 2022.

"In sickness and in health, I'm going to continue on and do this role until the end of next year," Clarkson said.

"It's Sam and I looking after now and what's going on in the future."

Hear from the senior coach as he speaks with the media ahead of Round 19.