Jaeger O'Meara

AFL trade news: Interstate club showing interest in Hawks star

Could the midfielder depart Waverley this off-season?

Published by

Mitch Keating

Port Adelaide are understood to have emerged as an interested suitor for Hawthorn midfielder Jaeger O'Meara.

The Hawks have gained plenty of the trade period spotlight in the past 24 hours after president Jeff Kennett stated in a letter to members that they "may be surprised" by some of the club's trade and draft calls this off-season.

Under the new leadership of senior coach Sam Mitchell, the Hawks are understood to be eyeing a strong draft hand for 2021, with the likes of O'Meara, Tom Mitchell, Chad Wingard and Jack Gunston all having their future speculated.

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Tom Mitchell of the Hawks celebrates the win in his 100th match with Isaac Smith (L) and Jaeger O'Meara and the injured Shaun Burgoyne of the Hawks (R) during the round 14 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Gold Coast Suns at University of Tasmania Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Tom Mitchell has previously denied rumours linking him to a move away from Waverley, while Gunston has gained reported interest from the Demons this season.

All four of the aforementioned quartet are contracted for the 2022 season, however their possibly available services could warrant strong draft selections in return should buyers arise.

Sam Mitchell stated that conversations with rival clubs have not transpired in regards to his four stars.

“There’s been no conversations with other clubs about those guys that has got to any sort of level that’s worth even talking to the players about it,” Mitchell told 7 News.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 03: New Hawks assistant coach Sam Mitchell looks on during a Hawthorn Hawks AFL training session at Xavier College on December 03, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

While interest has remained cool so far, the Power are understood to be showing "preliminary interest" in O'Meara, according to The Herald Sun.

O'Meara has been a key feature for the Hawks since arriving from the Suns at the end of 2016, coming third in the club's best and fairest count this season.

The Hawks have shown interest in Port Adelaide ruckman Peter Ladhams this off-season, with the 23-year-old reportedly weighing up a move to either Victoria or the Sydney Swans.

Hawthorn's interest in Ladhams comes as Jonothan Ceglar has been told to assess his options this trade window, with Geelong expressing some level of interest.

The Power could look to send Ladhams and a desirable draft selection to the Hawks in exchange for O'Meara.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Peter Ladhams and Charlie Dixon of the Power look dejected after losing the AFL Second Preliminary Final match between Port Adelaide Power and Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on September 11, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Port Adelaide's first draft selection for the 2021 National Draft currently falls at Pick 16.

Published by

Mitch Keating

3 years ago