HAWTHORN star Tom Mitchell faces a delayed start to pre-season this summer as he continues his long road to recovery from a broken leg, but remains optimistic he will take his place in the Hawks' round one team next year.

Mitchell, last year's Brownlow Medal winner, was unable to defend his crown as the game's best individual player on Monday night, having missed the entirety of the 2019 season after suffering a broken leg in January.

Tom Mitchell with Hannah Davis at the Brownlow Medal count on Monday night. Picture: AFL Photos

The prolific onballer sustained clean breaks to the tibia and fibula bones in his left leg during a tackling drill at training.

However, the important 26-year-old is back running and reiterated that his rehabilitation program remains on track following the debilitating setback.

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"It's going well," Mitchell told AFL.com.au at Monday night's Brownlow Medal.

"I've started some running and things like that, so I'm looking forward to next season.

"There might be a slight delay (to pre-season), but I'm still hoping to play early next year.

"I hope I'm right for round one. That's the plan."

Mitchell in action during his most recent AFL game, the 2018 semi-final loss to Melbourne. Picture: AFL Photos

Mitchell claimed last year's Brownlow Medal after a campaign in which he broke the VFL/AFL disposals record, averaging an incredible 35.3 touches per game.

He won with 28 votes and was the favourite to go back-to-back in this year's Brownlow Medal, before suffering his gut-wrenching injury on the eve of the season.

Mitchell said that while watching the 2019 campaign from the sidelines – and watching as the Hawks fell just one game from the finals – was difficult to do, he said he was impressed with how a young midfield responded to his absence.

"It's been tough," Mitchell said.
"Initially, it was difficult. But then I became accustomed to it. I was really happy for the other boys and how the team performed, especially late in the season.

"That was really pleasing to watch."

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