Hawthorn Coach Sam Mitchell is expecting an entertaining game on Saturday as the Hawks prepare to face Narrm at the MCG. 

Speaking to the media on Friday morning, Mitchell also touched on the side’s loss to Fremantle in Round 9 and upcoming 100-game milestones for Connor Macdonald and Jack Ginnivan. 

We summarised the key points from his press conference below. 

On the loss against the Dockers

“We reviewed it pretty closely. We played some pretty good footy for the majority of the game, but we couldn't sustain it, and we went into our shells at different times in that later period, and we had some guys going into a "save the game" type of mode, and other guys still trying to attack and score. And when you're not aligned in this game, you get found out pretty quickly, and we got a first-hand lesson of that.”

On Connor Macdonald’s upcoming 100-game milestone

“I think when some people see Connor, they see goal celebrations and a rat’s tail, and that is a part of who he is. But I think when you work with him on a daily basis, I don't think anyone personifies the family club more than he does. He brings his parents and his partner into the club all the time, and they're a big part of what we do. And I think also the work ethic that he's brought, you know, right from the start, he wasn't a super early draft pick. But right from his first time he got here, his work ethic and desire to improve his game, also the commitment to his role, I think most people come in as inside mids and they keep erring on the side of being an inside mid, whereas he was a half-forward at the start, you know, and he's just nailed that role so well and we're really pleased with how he's performing and his development as a 100-game player now.”

On Jack Ginnivan’s upcoming 100-game milestone

“I think with Jack we obviously share some of those games with Collingwood, but his development and growth since the time that we've had him, you know, I think people have started to recognise him a bit more in a bit more realistic to what he's like. I think six months ago, you probably still saw the white hair and goal celebrations with him as well, but I think now there's a little bit greater understanding about his work ethic and his game smarts that we've used since his time at the club.”

On Saturday’s clash with the Dees

“This is an entertainment business. Now, for you guys, the entertainment is huge. And for the people going to the game, you know, I've got teenage kids, they're going to love a Pickett pocket and a Wizard pocket or whatever they're calling these things. And I think as a fan you want to go to the footy, you want to have a great time. Now, my job is to put on a great game and make sure that we play a brand of footy that people want to watch, and I think Steven King's doing the same. So I suspect it'll be a good game of footy to watch, and if the fans can be more engaged in it, then that creates more energy at the stadium, and I think that helps everybody. So, you know, I think what we're doing off the field continues to grow year on year.”

Listen to Mitchell’s full press conference below