Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell insists he wants to stay at Hawthorn even if an AFL club in premiership mode comes knocking.
Mitchell's future at the Hawks has been a big talking point ever since coach Sam Mitchell reportedly offered the 29-year-old up as trade bait at the end of last year.
With 15th-placed Hawthorn (4-11) still well and truly in rebuilding mode, there are calls for the Hawks to trade Mitchell in a bid to further bolster the club's draft hand.
But the 164-game midfielder doesn't want to go anywhere, even if the chance to go to a high-flying club arose.
"I'm very happy, I love it here," MItchell said on Tuesday.
"I'm contracted for next year as well. I've built so many good relationships within the club.
"I think I've played my best footy at Hawthorn over my career and definitely love it here.
"I would love to see where this journey takes us.
"It's been a tough year win-loss wise, but it would be great to see where we can take things."
Mitchell has been squeezed out of his preferred midfield position at times this year as the Hawks experiment with generation next.
In Sunday's 22-point loss to GWS, Mitchell started on the bench before ending the match as a key figure with 35 disposals to his name.
Mitchell says he supports the decision to spread the load, even if it means fewer opportunities for himself in the midfield.
"We're continuing to find new players and find a midfield mix that can carry us forward," Mitchell said.
"We've seen this year, guys like Jai Newcombe coming into the team, Conor Nash is improving and taking his game to another level, Josh Ward when he's been the team.
"There's a number of young guys who are really improving. We want to be reliant on everyone as a midfield group, rather than just a few players.
"So I think it's a good thing for the team."
Hawthorn will be aiming to snap their five-match losing run when they host Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
But they are set to be without midfielder James Worpel, who could miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
Worpel dislocated his right shoulder against the Giants, and he may require a season-ending shoulder reconstruction.
Hawks captain Ben McEvoy, who suffered a fracture in his neck at training earlier this year, is nearing a playing return after ramping up his training in recent weeks.
