Sam Mitchell was a champion player and is fast building a reputation as a master coach. <\/p>\n
He can now add recruiter to the resume as well. <\/p>\n
The Hawthorn coach is changing the trade and free agency game with his unashamed, hands on approach by getting involved in recruiting star players from rival clubs. <\/p>\n
Watch every match of the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n That includes meeting with two captains from other clubs \u2014 Oscar Allen and Zach Merrett \u2014 in season.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also talk Mitchell has led Hawthorn\u2019s pursuit of the likes of Harley Reid and Zak Butters. And we know he played a big hand in getting Tom Barrass and Josh Battle to the club last year.<\/p>\n It\u2019s ruthless and uncompromising. Remind you of a star player from that Hawthorn golden era?<\/p>\n The latest attempted raid that has the entire footy world talking could see Merrett don the colours of one of Essendon\u2019s fiercest rivals<\/a> in a switch that would make the Bombers faithful shudder.<\/p>\n Mitchell\u2019s secret weapon in all of this? His wife Lyndall, who\u2019s been part of the recruitment process including reportedly being involved in the recent Merrett meeting.<\/p>\n Sam Mitchell’s bold recruiting tactics is changing the game.Source: FOX SPORTS<\/p>\n \u201cWhether it\u2019s Merrett, Barrass or Battle, it\u2019s all the same philosophy in terms of what Sam is selling for the club and what it\u2019s about. It\u2019s about investment and investing in success. It\u2019s an all-in approach and having Lyndall involved in pitches is critical,\u201d former Hawthorn sharpshooter Ben Dixon told foxfooty.com.au.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s been through his football career and now his coaching career. She understands exactly what wives and partners are going through that are coming into the football club. They\u2019re a part of it as much as the player.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen a player signs a contract, they\u2019re signing the whole family into the club, not just themselves. The investment is in them as a whole \u2014 kids, partners, parents \u2014 the whole lot.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you recruit players, you have to have a strong strategy on your premiership model and how you\u2019re gong to win. But it\u2019s also lifestyle and balancing everything, because it\u2019s not just the footy side of things that creates success.<\/p>\n \u201cSam has unlocked that, it\u2019s a really holistic approach and a smart one.\u201d<\/p>\n Joey: “I would love Merrett to stay” | 02:32<\/p>\n Everyone has a different opinion on coaches meeting with rival players. <\/p>\n Some find it disrespectful. Some acknowledge it\u2019s just the nature of the modern landscape. And most accept it\u2019d be happening at every club, but only some meetings get out.<\/p>\n