Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has vowed to continue improving the Hawks in 'any way he sees fit' amid the Zach Merrett trade saga.
The Hawks advanced to the preliminary final with a 34-point win against Adelaide - where they will meet Geelong in an MCG blockbuster, likely on Friday night.
Despite being well and truly in the race for the 2025 premiership, Mitchell has still been active in his planning for 2026, with the coach reportedly meeting with Essendon captain Merrett earlier in the week.
With Merrett reportedly keen on joining Hawthorn for next season, Mitchell refused to go into detail, but was clear on his strategy to further his team.
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"I’m not going to get into any details (about a meeting with Merrett), but … I couldn’t have prepared any better for this game is what I would say," Mitchell said in his post-game press conference.
"My job is to win as many games as I possibly can as the coach of this club and to improve this club in any way I see fit so I will continue to do that."
In 2024, Hawthorn lost a semi-final at Adelaide Oval to Port Adelaide by three points, but they exorcised their demons at the venue with a comprehensive victory against the Crows this time around.
Adelaide failed to lead at any point in the match, despite drawing level late in the first quarter after the Hawks kicked the first three goals in the opening minutes.
Jai Newcombe was once again best-on-ground in a final, with 28 possessions, eight clearances and a goal, while Jack Gunston kicked five goals from eight scoring shots in a dominant forward 50 display.
The Hawks will now take on long-time rival Geelong for a spot in the AFL grand final, in front of a certain sellout MCG crowd.