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:ย ADELAIDE,ย BRISBANE,ย CARLTON,ย COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON,ย FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS
2. 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.
