SAM MITCHELL was uncompromising, combative, intelligent and, above all, tenacious as a player.

Mitchell, now 41 and the Hawthorn coach, still has a winning mentality and a twinkle in his eye.

However, the victory alone did not help the Hawks move away from a 0-5 start to the season and they will face the Western Bulldogs in the elimination final at the MCG on Friday night.

Mitchell himself is no gentler, but his emotional intelligence and willingness to accept Hawthorn’s enthusiastic players for what they are make them believe the team can do something special in his third year in charge.

Luke Breust was Mitchell’s teammate in three championship games.

Now he gets to see a different side of Mitchell.

“Sam and I had a great relationship on the pitch. He was such an intelligent player,” Breust, 33, recalls.

“Yeah, there were times when he would shout at me when the ball was coming out of the attacking line, that I had done something wrong, or that I had missed the first pass or something like that. He would definitely let you know.

“His fighting nature, his honesty and his desire to provide the best conditions for the team were his top priority. He was willing to do it no matter what.

“Has he changed? Yes, there’s still something about him that makes him brutally honest when he needs to be.

“His greatest growth was allowing these guys to express themselves and be themselves in their own way, and embracing that rather than suppressing it.”

Mitchell has openly expressed his desire to stay ahead of trends by introducing a new style of play rather than simply following the leader.

You could say that his approach to list building also fits into this philosophy.

The first step was to shed some experience to acquire top draft picks and allow young players to reach the next level.

The second part of the Hawks’ rebirth was the addition of rotation players from other clubs to the roster, intended to bolster the team’s young, talented core.

Key additions included Jack Ginnivan, Mabior Chol, Lloyd Meek and the returning Jack Gunston.

Another example is Massimo D’Ambrosio, who was lured by Mitchell with a two-year contract when Essendon delayed offering him a contract.

D’Ambrosio has transformed from a defensive midfielder at Essendon into one of the best wingers in the league.

“He was a huge support to me,” D’Ambrosio said of his coach.

“I feel like every week he tries to bring out the best in me.

“At the beginning of the year and even now, I still have doubts about my performances in matches, but he always gives me positive energy.

“I’ve loved playing under him all year and I’m looking forward to playing for him again.”

Mitchell said he is the only person working with Nick Watson on his goalkeeping game, to avoid overloading the young striker with advice from different people.

It is this practical approach that appeals to his young group.

“He’s really just one of the players,” D’Ambrosio said.

“He takes part in training, picks up on certain things, speaks about them directly and explains them.

“A lot of coaches can just tell you what you’re doing wrong, but they’ll never explain how you can get better or how to get to that position.

“I think he’s really good at it.”

Especially with midfielders Will Day (collarbone) and Cameron Mackenzie (hamstring injury) sidelined, the Hawks will likely be in a tough spot when they face the much more experienced Bulldogs on Friday night.

Hawthorn made just one change for this match, bringing on Josh Ward for Mackenzie.

The Bulldogs sprung a surprise by recalling former Demon star James Harmes for the first time since injuring his hamstring in the Round 13 win over Collingwood.

Whether Hawthorn maintain their winning streak or suffer defeat, Mitchell’s Hawks will undoubtedly celebrate their victory with great enthusiasm.

“I feel like a lot of guys believe in it and there’s no right or wrong thing to do,” D’Ambrosio said.

“That’s what Sam has created in this club and no one is judged for what they do. It’s a great environment to be in.”