IN WORRYING news for opposition fans, Sam Mitchell has said his move across the country to West Coast is just what his footy needs.

Mitchell shocked the football world in October when he announced his intention to leave Hawthorn and move to the Eagles with the aim of eventually becoming an assistant coach.

After 15 seasons with the Hawks, Mitchell said the change was just what he needed.



New Eagle not there to make up numbers

"Everything is new. Even the stuff I've known for years that I'd usually find boring, I'm actually enjoying those little things at the moment," Mitchell told West Coast's website.

"I certainly feel revitalised."

He said coach Adam Simpson had given him free rein to coach his new teammates.

"Simmo said to do what you do, have an influence on the guys and tell guys where they can get better or what they are doing well.

"That's my natural way, to try and help and seek feedback for myself as well. Having that licence to be able to share some of your experiences while you're gaining experience as well is part of what I hope to bring to the Eagles," he said.

Mitchell is still finding his feet at West Coast, joking he made sure to not take anyone's seat in team meetings.

"I'm certainly learning new ways of doing things, and even just learning about the different people – the way they operate, what foot they like to kick with, whether they like to lead short or lead long – just the mannerisms of different players."

At 34, Mitchell said he won't be involved in every single part of pre-season training, but will be ready to go come round one.

"I won't do every bit of running that the young bucks do, but I'll try the majority of skill work and a little bit of running, and make sure I'm cherry ripe for March 26."