Hawthorn will reportedly nominate father-son prospect Will McCabe in what represents the first step in the process for the Hawks to potentially secure the South Australian.
McCabe is the son of former Hawk, Luke, who currently serves as Hawthorn's Football Director.
Like his father, the 18-year-old played for SANFL club Central District, plying his trade as one of the premier key-position defenders in this year's draft class.
McCabe also shapes as one of the leading South Australian prospects, however, if all goes to plan for the Hawks in November, he won't be available to either of the Adelaide Crows or Port Adelaide on draft night.
Under league regulations, clubs must nominate their eligible father-sons by October 31, which is the first list lodgement date.
According toย AFL Mediaย journalist Cal Twomey on Friday afternoon, the Hawks will lodge that nomination; placing the ball in McCabe's court as to whether or not he chooses to accept the nomination.
Hawthorn will nominate Will McCabe as a father-son selection, in what is the first step of the process for father-sons joining clubs. October 31 deadline for stage one before commitments can be made until mid-November. https://t.co/5TWDiIDcCS
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) October 27, 2023
McCabe figures to draw a contending bid towards the end of the first round or early in the second.
In addition to McCabe, the Hawks also have Calsher Dear, son of premiership player Paul, eligible as a father-son.
Dear, the 194cm Sandringham Dragons graduate, projects as a ruck-forward at the professional level.
The first night of this year's National Draft is scheduled for November 20, with the second night set for November 21.
