Cameron Smith is on track to follow in the footsteps of former teammates Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk with the NRL great poised to join an AFL club in a leadership role.<\/p>\n
In yet another indication the Storm legend has played his last game, Hawthorn has expressed interest in Smith joining its ranks in a specialised role that will see him help mentor some of their players next season.<\/p>\n
It's understood the Hawks are looking to appoint a new captain and have plans to implement a new leadership model at the club during the preseason.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Hawks are in a period transition with former captain Ben Stratton retiring leaving several candidates in contention to take over in 2021.<\/p>\n
Jaeger O'Meara, Jack Gunston, Tom Mitchell, Liam Shiels and James Sicily are viewed as the top contenders for the role.<\/p>\n
St Kilda secured Storm champion Billy Slater in a similar role in late 2018, while GWS Giants also signed Cooper Cronk to work with their players.<\/p>\n
Smith is tipped to retire from the NRL after leading the Storm to another premiership this year.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
His leadership qualities have been a big part of Melbourne's success on the field after leading the club to multiple premierships while creating a culture along with Craig Bellamy that is arguably the strongest in the NRL.<\/p>\n
The Storm is also keen to keep Smith in a coaching role if he does retire, with the Maroons legend expected to move to Queensland post-career.<\/p>\n
The Storm champion already has strong ties with Hawthorn as a long-time supporter and close friend of premiership veteran Shaun Burgoyne.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"