Reversal: Sam Mitchell (left) with Alastair Clarkson during his time at Hawthorn. Credit:Pat Scala

Sam Mitchell’s near certain move back to the Hawthorn Football Club, where the plan is for him to act as an apprentice to Alastair Clarkson for the next four years, has left a bad taste in the mouths of the West Coast Eagles, who have every right to feel a little cheated.

Once again this saga, for all the prospective romance of a Clarkson-Mitchell succession plan, exposes the fragility of contracts in football.

Adam Simpson could probably have done without the distraction of the Mitchell story this week as his midfield mentor did the rounds promoting his autobiography and subtly explaining that his family was unhappy in the Eagles’ home town.

Even though he has known since the start of June that Mitchell planned to walk out on the club halfway through his four-year deal, it must have felt a little personal for Simpson. That is particularly so because of the extent to which he rolled out the red carpet for the Hawks champion after his old coach Clarkson has suggested Mitchell might end his playing career with West Coast.

Simpson’s task now is to ensure that his assistant remains fully focused as the Eagles launch a serious assault upon September which, knowing Mitchell’s professionalism, should not prove too challenging. Still it is one task he could have done without.