THE AFL'S leading ball-winner has no regrets about his much-publicised move from Sydney – where he played in last year's Grand Final – to a struggling Hawthorn outfit.
Tom Mitchell has amassed 35 more disposals than any other player in the competition in 2017 and averages almost 36 per game, including his momentous 50-possession effort against Collingwood in round nine.
The 23-year-old's consistent excellence has not translated to victories for Alastair Clarkson's Hawks, who lost their last two matches before the bye to slump to a 4-8 record.
"I am definitely enjoying it. It's a great club to be a part of and a great culture and I think I'm very fortunate to be in the position I'm in," Mitchell told reporters on Tuesday.
"I can understand why there'd be some conjecture about that – just with the results.
"But I'm sure that with Clarko leading the way and guys like Hodgey (Luke Hodge) and Roughey (Jarryd Roughead) and the great leaders we have, that we're on the right track."
Only the Brisbane Lions trail Hawthorn on the ladder, with the first-placed Crows to come at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
Adelaide kicked 15 of the last 23 goals against the fast-starting Hawks at the MCG in round two to record a 24-point triumph.
Hawthorn's last trip to South Australia only three weeks ago resulted in a club-worst 0.3 first half against Port Adelaide and an eventual 51-point loss.
"It's always a tough trip going to Adelaide. Both Adelaide teams love playing at home," Mitchell said.
"Last time we played (there), we had a pretty young team and that was great to get some exposure into guys like Dallas Willsmore and James Cousins, who had never experienced playing against a really loud, hostile away crowd.
"We didn't have the greatest game (against the Power) and we admit that, but I think everyone who played that game will be better for the experience."
Grant Birchall (knee), Hodge (groin) and Luke Breust (illness) are set to bolster the Hawks' bid against Adelaide, but veteran defender Josh Gibson (groin) looks in serious doubt.
The club's injury list also includes Cyril Rioli (knee), James Frawley (turf toe), and Jaeger O'Meara and Ben Stratton (both knee bone bruising).
"We've had a few injuries, but I suppose that goes for a lot of teams around the competition," Mitchell said.
"That's just a part of footy – injuries happen – and everyone on the list has to step up, and the positive thing has been young guys have had the opportunity to play.
"Guys like Blake Hardwick and Kaiden Brand and Dallas and James Cousins; it's been great to get some exposure into those guys, what it's like at the top level, and some of those guys have adjusted really well."
Howe, who has played predominantly in defence this year, looks likely to play an increased role in the midfield, where Clarkson has tried him on occasion.
