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In-stadium commentary at Mt SmartHawthorn coach Mitchell's teams to beat in 2025
Jaiden Sciberras • May 23rd, 2025 3:01 pm
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has revealed the teams to beat after 10 rounds in 2025.
Despite currently sitting fourth on the AFL ladder just one game off the top spot, the Hawks have only faced three of the current top eight sides, beating the Giants yet falling to both Geelong and Gold Coast.
With that in mind, Mitchell has listed two sides that he believes are the top dogs in the competition through 10 games thus far, both of which the Hawks are set to face in the coming weeks.
“Obviously Brisbane (is number one),” Mitchell told SEN Fireball.
“We play them tomorrow so they’re the team to beat.
“I know you said only one, but we can also say Collingwood because we’ve got them next week as well.
“They’re obviously two sides going pretty well.”
Regarding Saturday's clash, Mitchell believes that despite the Lions' results not falling their way in recent weeks, his side will still need to be at their very best to claim a result over the reigning premiers.
In their last two contests, the Lions drew with the Kangaroos in Hobart, before losing by 11 points to Melbourne last week.
“Despite the outcomes of those two games not being what most of us probably thought or what they would have been hoping for, they’re making some adjustments to their game,” Mitchell said.
“They’re moving the ball really well, but they’re making some changes to that area, they’ve increased some things particularly speed and handball and that type of thing.
“They’re clearly working their way into a pretty strong position, so we know we’re going to have to be at our best.”
Beyond the teams to beat, Mitchell identified the player at a rival club he'd most like to have on Hawthorn's list.
“The number one player, they are not playing right now so it’s a bit out of sight out of mind,” he continued.
“I think (Sam) Darcy would be pretty nice to have on most lists.”
21-year-old Darcy only managed five full games this season before being removed from the Bulldogs’ Round 6 clash with St Kilda due to a knee injury.
Through those five games, Darcy averaged 14 disposals and seven marks, booting 14 goals and ranking first in Champion Data’s player ratings. The key forward has been listed to return to football in two to five weeks.
Hawthorn are set to face the Lions in a Saturday twilight contest at the MCG.
