Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell says he's eyeing team success with Hawthorn, and perhaps the chance to lead the AFL powerhouse after winning the sport's biggest individual accolade.
The 25-year-old said he was keen to take on a leadership role at the Hawks off the back of his breakout year.
"It's something I'd love to do ... I've got a capacity to contribute in that area," he said.
"Leadership, helping younger guys, helping my teammates improve, is something I really want to try and do."
With club captain Jarryd Roughead likely to commit to just one more season at the Hawks, there could be a vacancy in the role sooner rather than later.
Liam Shiels and Isaac Smith are Hawthorn's vice-captains, with Ben Stratton and Jack Gunston rounding out a player-voted five-man leadership group.
Mitchell didn't agree that his Brownlow Medal win would affirm his chances of leading the club, but he could barely be better credentialled.
The ex-Swan is likely to make it two Peter Crimmins Medals in as many seasons at Waverley at Hawthorn's best and fairest night on Saturday.
The past two Hawks to claim the prize - Sam Mitchell (2012) and Shane Crawford (1999) - were both club captains.
Should Mitchell accede to the top on-field job, it would cap a neat piece of footballing symmetry between Hawthorn and his former club Sydney.
Hawk fans despaired at the departure of club royalty, Josh Kennedy, to the Swans in 2010 due to a lack of opportunity in a stack Hawthorn midfield.
The grandson of Hall of Famer John Kennedy now leads Sydney, having gathered three All Australian gongs.
Ironically it was a similar squeeze under John Longmire at the Swans that led Clarkson to poach Mitchell back to his home state after five seasons north.
In any case, Mitchell is eager to see Hawthorn continue their climb back to the top of the sport in 2019.
He said their unexpected top-four finish in 2018, youth development, and any free agency captures would hold the club in good stead.
"I'm sure (Hawthorn football boss) Graham Wright and the recruiting team will do everything possible to get the best talent into our club," he said.
"I'm very envious of the guys fortunate enough to play in the grand final this weekend.
"That is my main goal, to be part of a premiership team.
"This year was a massive step forward for us. Making the top four and getting some finals exposure to a few of our younger guys (like) James Worpel and Harry Morrison."
Australian Associated Press
