Mitchell is the standout assistant in the comp in my opinion.
Was always a limited player physically but one of the great midfielders the game has seen meaning he had a great footy brain to compensate for his physical deficiencies.
Coming off the rookie-list shows he has grit which you need as a coach.
Went to West Coast at the end of his career as a player, then coached their not-so-vaunted midfield to a premiership against the odds in his first year as an assistant.
Sure, I saw the article where he said he "wasn't ready" but I reckon his experience, while limited years-wise, is light years ahead of other potentials because it was in elite environments and he had premiership success wherever he went.
We tell him we firmly believe he is ready, keep Ratts as the second in charge and lock him in for 5 years.
With his pedigree, he is honestly less of a "risk" than going re-cycled and I think we'd be absolutely nuts not to try and give him an offer he can't refuse.
We have to be bold, especially when there is someone like him potentially available. He could completely transform our club.
I found that view a bit odd from you.
Ratten oversaw the Hawks midfield for 3 flags and was a pretty handy mid in his time.
So working under Clarko is good for some but not for others?
No doubtting his credentials, but where is the data to suggest he is the best assistant in the comp? How's their midfield travellong this year?
Huge call IMO.
Although i agree that if we went that way, you'd keep Ratten for sure.