Mitchell likely to miss again

HAWTHORN’S four-hour flight west is likely to be enough to ensure captain Sam Mitchell misses his third-straight week with a hamstring injury.

On the day the Hawks skipper announced a two-year contract extension - along with deals for fellow stars Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead - the ball winner’s more immediate future remained on hiatus.

Mitchell left the field during the third term of his team’s round-four loss to Collingwood and did not return.

He has since missed the losses to North Melbourne and Essendon and is almost certain to sit out against West Coast as well.

Asked on Thursday morning whether he was likely to take on the West Coast Eagles on Saturday afternoon, Mitchell was categorical.

“No, I don’t think so,” the 27-year-old said.

“I’ve been fighting with the medical staff all week, but I think they’re on the side of caution when you’ve got to fly over to Perth.”

There appears to be better news regarding Franklin however, who suffered an injury scare on Wednesday when he rolled an ankle at training.

“[The] ankle’s good.” he said. “I’ll be right to play.”

The Hawks are desperate for a win, with their season on the brink of disaster. The 2008 premiers and the Eagles both have 1-5 records after six rounds, with the loser of Saturday’s clash almost certainly out of finals calculations.