Former Hawthorn star Sam Mitchell will return to the club as an assistant coach for the 2019 season after signing a three-year deal.

The Brownlow Medallist left the Hawks in 2016 to head west, where he played 22 senior games for the Eagles before becoming an assistant coach in their premiership-winning season.

The Hawks’ 2008 premiership captain said he’s thrilled to be returning to the Ricoh Centre.

“I’m really excited to return to Hawthorn, a true family club, and it feels really special to get back to the place I spent 15 years of my playing career,” Mitchell said.

“Perth is a great place, but it became apparent that with the heavy travel commitments, and living in an isolated city away from our support network, was not conducive with a young family. I spoke to West Coast mid-year and explained my intention.

“Craig Vozzo was so supportive and we worked together to ensure that this would not be a distraction for the players. I am glad we did, as finishing my two years at West Coast with a premiership was a special experience.”

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GM– Football Graham Wright said the club is delighted to welcome Mitchell back.

“Sam has been a huge part of the Hawks family over many years and we know he will bring a great deal to our club as a coach, like he did as a player,” Wright said.

“We know our players will learn a great deal from Sam and we look forward to having Sam, wife Lyndall and their children Smith, Emmerson and Scarlett back at Hawthorn.”

One of the most-decorated players in Hawthorn’s history, Mitchell’s resume includes four premierships, a Brownlow medal, three All Australian honours and five Peter Crimmins Medals.

Mitchell’s appointment rounds out Hawthorn’s assistant coaching group of Scott Burns, Darren Glass, Chris Newman and Adem Yze.