Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell saluted a ‘sweet’ victory over Geelong on Easter Monday and believes his young side will take a lot of belief from the win.
The Hawks are priced at 9/4 to finish in the eight and play finals and can take plenty of heart from the win against a Cats side that are a top contender for the flag.
Solid start
The Hawks beat the Cats by 12 points in a thrilling game and have made a solid start to the 2022 AFL campaign.
It is Mitchell’s first as coach since replacing Alastair Clarkson, but he was involved in plenty of these games as a player and admits the win was extra special.
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"There is a part of me that says it's four points, every win is the same, but Easter Monday is a big day for our club. We've had a great rivalry with them over the journey. Right now it feels a little bit sweeter," Mitchell said.
"We're going to continue to have good battles against them; they're going to be a good side for a long time as they've proven.”
Keeping calm
Mitchell is not getting carried away though. His side were smashed by St Kilda the week before and are very much a work in progress still.
"We know we're on a journey. Last week very disappointed with lots of parts of the game. This week to play much more consistently,” Mitchell added.
“I think the way we ran out the game was pleasing. I think there is a level of belief that comes from playing against a good side and being in those situations."
