The 2024 free agency period has lost another key player, with Blake Hardwick signing a five-year deal to remain at Hawthorn beyond this season.
Hardwick, 27, is likely to be a Hawk for life as a result of the deal, which has been reported by both Seven and Nine. He’s played 160 games in brown and gold and is now contracted until 2029.
A genuine utility, Hardwick has been swung forward on occasion in 2024, booting four goals against Collingwood and five on Port Adelaide in two narrow Hawthorn losses.
He’s also renowned as a hard-nosed, lockdown small defender.
His signature follows that of Hugh McCluggage and Will Hayward, who signed to stay with Brisbane and Sydney respectively last week.
It leaves Patrick Dangerfield, Ben Ainsworth, Cam Zurhaar and Tim English as the only restricted free agents remaining in this year’s pool.
GWS’ Sam Taylor also committed to the Giants last week, more than a season before his original contract expired, while Geelong’s Tanner Bruhn and the Bulldogs’ Lachlan Bramble signed new deals on Thursday.