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
5. 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.
