MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Sam Mitchell, coach of the Hawks looks on before the round 23 AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on August 20, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has been hospitalised for several days in the United States, spending Christmas in a sick bed, after suffering pneumonia.
Mitchell, his wife Lyndall and their three kids were travelling over the festive period when the Hawks great turned coach began experiencing symptoms of the lung infection which is similar to a severe flu, with swelling and fluid-packed air sacs making it hard to breathe.
He was sent to New York University Hospital several days ago and spent Christmas Day there, but he has began to improve.
Mitchell, 41, is expected to spend another few days in hospital before being discharged and returning to Australia.
“Importantly, Sam is improving and recovering well. The club has been in regular contact with Lyndall, and we will obviously continue to provide support in any way we can,” Hawthorn CEO Ashley Klein said.
None of Mitchell’s family have experienced symptoms.
Mitchell has a career coaching record of 15-30 after leading the Hawks to a seven-win, 16th-placed finish in 2023.
However there is optimism the low point of the club’s rebuild has been passed with the Hawks winning six of their last 14 games last season, including defeating Grand Finalists Collingwood and Brisbane at the MCG.
