3AW Breakfast sports reporter Jon Anderson has admitted he was “very surprised” Hawthorn head coach Sam Mitchell didn’t win the coach of the year award last night.

Mitchell led the club he won four premierships with as a player from 16th last year to within a kick of the preliminary final this year.

“You could say Sam Mitchell was inept last year because the Hawks finished 16th with seven wins, I don’t see it that way,” Anderson said.

Press PLAY to hear his full comments

Brisbane head coach Chris Fagan took out the award, with Sydney coach John Longmire coming in at second and Mitchell at third.

Image (Mitchell): Quinn Rooney/Getty