Hawthorn looks primed to ramp up their player recruitment strategy after years of utilising the draft to build their current list, with trade and free agency moves likely to come a year on from one of their busier off-seasons in recent memory.
The Hawks added Massimo D’Ambrosio, Mabior Chol and Jack Ginnivan, and welcomed the return of triple premiership forward Jack Gunston last year, with all four already playing significant roles one way or another in 2024.
Inching toward their premiership contention window under coach Sam Mitchell, the Hawks may now see their top draft selections as disposable in a bid to lure star talent to Bunjil Bagora, while free agents are also sure to be high on the Hawks’ wish list.
So who might be in Hawthorn’s sights this year, and what positions can they fill in one of the most exciting sides currently in the AFL?
We name five potential trade targets for Hawthorn to consider…
OTHER TRADE TARGETS: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS
Harrison Jones
Another forward target for the Hawks to consider as they look to sharpen their spear for the future.
Mitch Lewis’ return this week will give fans a good glimpse into the future, with the first-string forward to join Mabior Chol in attack while Calsher Dear earns some rest following a positive start to his career in the brown and gold.
But that one extra puzzle piece could come in the mould of Jones, who is still unsigned beyond this year and has looked to take a step further in 2024.
With the Bombers having Nate Caddy knocking on the selection door each week, coupled with the roles of Kyle Langford and Peter Wright dominating the forward 50, there is somewhat of a squeeze in attack at Tullamarine.
Jones would be a starter under Sam Mitchell and would complement the likes of Lewis and Chol, and can take the eventual void of veteran Jack Gunston while giving Dear further time to develop his craft.
Josh Battle
One player who has been heavily linked to a switch to Waverley in 2024, with the unrestricted free agent said to have held talks with Sam Mitchell as he weighs up his future.
The Hawks’ aggressive trade and free agency plans, coupled with the fact the club wouldn’t have to give up any trade pieces for Battle, are likely to lead to a more lucrative offer being placed on the table for the key defender.
A sizeable long-term deal could see the Saints satisfied with band one compensation and therefore lose Battle to the Hawks, who would secure the 25-year-old through free agency with no resistance.
Battle’s potential addition would see Mitchell’s rearguard strengthened further, with James Blanck to return in 2025 while untapped pair Will McCabe and Ethan Phillips soon press their case for senior selection.
With veteran Sam Frost turning 32 next year, it’s also a reason to add some experienced stoppers despite the veteran’s strong form in 2024.
Josh Rotham
Not a name that would jump off the paper, but every club looking to contend needs experience among their depth options.
A cheaper defensive target for the Hawks to potentially consider, with the 193cm defender able to play on both tall and small opposing forwards while offering some run and ball work out of defence.
Unlikely a member of Sam Mitcghell’s preferred back seven, but Rotham – who would come at no cost as a free agency target – can certainly add some depth to a squad that has had to rely on defensive reinforcements this year.
Rotham would bring eight years of AFL experience to the Hawks’ list and can at the very least place some pressure on selection spots going forward.
Harry Perryman
Like Battle, there have been ties between the Hawks and Perryman this year as the Victorian club potentially looks to add some versatility to their list.
Perryman is one of the purest utility players in the competition as he is able to play through the middle, lockdown in defence, provide some run or float forward to have a scoreboard impact.
He can add further depth to a strong midfield group while offering his services across half-back, allowing the likes of Changkuoth Jiath or Josh Weddle to find more of the ball further up the field.
Another free agent who would cost the Hawks in salary space, but Perryman is likely lower on the club’s hit list compared to Battle.
Logan McDonald
(Written prior to re-signing).
The perfect target for the Hawks as they look to add top line key position talent to their list at either end of the field, with McDonald fitting the age demographic of the club’s squad under Sam Mitchell.
While a recommitment from McDonald to remain in Sydney, or even move back home to Western Australia, looks more likely than a venture to Victoria, it won’t stop clubs from south of the Murray.
The Hawks would need to hand over their best draft picks to attain the key forward, with the Swans likely to demand a pair of first-round picks in any deal. Hawthorn may have a top 10 selection for this year’s count and will bank on a meteoric rise in 2025 to potentially lessen the value of their future pick.
It’d take some recruitment coup to secure McDonald’s signature, but as far as perfect fits go, the 22-year-old could be top of the list.