“I think he[Mitchell] and the club are on the same wavelength. I would imagine they’ve had good discussions about the method,the process and how long it’s going to take,” Dunstall said. “I know supporters,they want to see more wins,but you’ve just got to be patient.”

Dunstall said the Hawks should not be judged on wins and losses.

“I’m certainly not going to judge that. You’re just looking for improvement in the young kids. I don’t think you put a cap on what they might win,” he said.

“I think when you look at list and when you look at form,they could be potential bottom four. But a lot of things have to happen for that. Teams need a lot of luck with injuries. You get some all of a sudden get opportunity to play well and that’s all you want to see from the Hawthorn list.

“I think they’ve got some young leaders there that will emerge. I like James Sicily,I think leadership will sit well with him,and hopefully they can unearth some good,young players.

“We know it’s going to take some years,but you can’t fix it overnight,you can’t click your fingers.”

Dunstall presided over a rebuild at the outset of Alastair Clarkson’s tenure at Hawthorn,when Jonathan Hay and Nathan Thompson were among the senior players traded for draft picks that ultimately netted Lewis and Grant Birchall.

“The other thing is,you’re trying to get good young players in,you’ve got to trade something ... you can’t just get a lot of young players without giving something up,” he said.

Dunstall said North Melbourne also were “in for a tough year” due to their list,but that Clarkson would improve them in setting standards.

“They’re going to be a hell of a lot better club having him there and setting some standards and challenging the players. No disrespect to anyone that’s been there before,but I think it can only help the club,what he brings.”