Former Collingwood caretaker coach Robert Harvey joins Hawthorn as Sam Mitchell’s assistant

Hawthorn has won the race for Collingwood caretaker coach Robert Harvey in another coup for new coach Sam Mitchell. The Herald Sun can reveal Harvey will join the Hawks as an assistant coach after an excellent senior audition with Collingwood after Nathan Buckley moved from the Pies. The Hawks have already secured David Hale, Adrian Hickmott and new head of development Andy Collins, but Brendon Bolton’s departure for Collingwood cleared more space. MORE AFL: Harvey has elite midfield credentials as a dual Brownlow Medallist and long-time Pies assistant coach. He will be another excellent sounding board for new coach Mitchell, who was to spend another season under Clarkson before the succession plan fell apart. Harvey had interest from clubs including West Coast, with Eagles coach Adam Simpson a big fan. At Collingwood when he took over from Buckley mid-year he was able to free up the club’s ball movement and play a more attacking game. While the Pies blooded kids and at times were extremely raw he did his chances for a future senior coaching role no harm. The appointment rounds out Mitchell’s band of lieutenants with football boss Rob McCartney thrilled to secure Harvey after 10 seasons at the Pies. “With Robert Harvey comes a wealth of experience in the football landscape,” McCartney said. “We believe his coaching style and method really complement the other members of our group, which gives a strong and holistic feel to our coaching squad. “He has built an impressive coaching resume over the past 13 years, with involvement in a number of high-performing football programs, including the caretaker senior coaching role at Collingwood in 2021. “While Robert will bring his highly renowned football IQ and technical nous to Hawthorn, we are equally excited about the significant cultural impact he will have as we plan for the future success of our football club.”