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
1. 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.
