Hawthorn key defender Ethan Phillips is one of many players waiting in limbo without a contract for 2025.
However, his AFL dream may continue, with reports indicating that St Kilda and Carlton have registered interest, according toย AFL Media.
The 25-year-old was part of a long and rich history when the Hawks signed him at the start of the year, joining a list of promising VFL stars, awarded the Fothergirll-Round-Mitchell medal to make it to the elite level.
Phillips was a consistent contributor for Box Hill (Hawthorn affiliate) in the reserves grade and got the call-up once James Blanck went down with a season-ending knee injury.
Sam Mitchell and his group have made no mistakes they are recruiting for the here and now, especially after they bowed out in a semi-final.
Hawthorn has already secured Josh Battle via free agency from St Kilda, while West Coast's Tom Barrass is keen on donning the brown and gold in 2025.
Sam Frost is expected to remain put despite interest from Sydney and the Saints, while Blanck's return would push the 25-year-old further down the line.
As a result, it would appear that Phillips' writing is on the wall, and after only one AFL game, he might be shown the door at Hawthorn.
The 25-year-old, along with former Pick 6 Denver Grainger-Barras, look likely to be on the chopping block.
"Carlton and St Kilda are understood to hold some interest in adding the 197cm backman for defensive coverage," saysย AFL Media's Josh Gabelich.
"Both clubs have other priorities and might not make a move until later in the year via the delisted free agency window or the pre-season supplemental selection period."
The Saints will be looking to cover the loss of Battle while the Blues, although they brought over Nick Haynes from GWS, also need to bolster their key defensive stocks after letting go Caleb Marchbank.
