Sam Mitchell has poured cold water on suggestions that promising midfielder Cam Mackenzie is unsettled at Hawthorn, brushing off the reports with a smile and a show of faith in the youngster’s future.
Speaking on Thursday morning, the Hawks coach addressed claims that Mackenzie’s management had raised concerns over his recent senior opportunities.
The 20-year-old was said to be “disgruntled” at Waverley Park after being in and out of the senior side since returning from a fractured hand in Round 8.
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“We had a chuckle about it today,” Mitchell said of the reports. “He’s a young player who’s going to be a star, he’s certainly one of my favourites.”
‘We’re really enjoying his development’
Mackenzie has been tactically subbed out in two of his last four AFL games, and spent time in the VFL with Box Hill during his return to form. But Mitchell made it clear the club is taking a long-term view.
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“There’s not much to it, we’re really enjoying his development as a player,” he continued. “He’s going through a little bit of a rough patch with his form right now, but I’m not concerned with his development by any stretch.”
“I just tell him he’s one of my favourites, and you’ll get back to it. He was a bit like ‘oh, I don’t know where that came from!’… We had a bit of a chuckle about it this morning.”
Mackenzie was recalled for Hawthorn’s recent clash against North Melbourne after three games in the reserves.