In an unfortunate development for Hawthorn, a burgeoning youngster is reportedly 'likely' to request a trade away from the club at the end of the season.
West Australian small forward Tyler Brockman is considered a probable chance of officially requesting a trade back to his home state.
The out-of-contract 20-year-old, who has flashed exciting potential in front of goal for Sam Mitchell's rising squad, has managed 15 senior games in 2023; by far the most in a season across his short three-year AFL career.
According to a report by Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph on Friday afternoon, the Hawks are thought to be 'bracing' for Brockman's trade request, with the West Coast Eagles expected to be the livewire forward's landing spot.
Ralph reports a recent dinnertime rendezvous with current Eagle Liam Ryan opened Brockman's eyes to the fruitful career he could have back in his home state.
Interestingly enough, Ryan, who has played all six of his AFL seasons at West Coast, was linked to a trade to Hawthorn in late July due to his connection with former Eagle and current Hawks coach, Sam Mitchell.
Those rumours were swiftly rebuffed by Eagles recruiting manager Rohan O'Brien in early August.
Brockman is a Subiaco product, having played his junior football there before being selected by the Hawks with Pick 46 at the 2020 National Draft.
Rumours regarding Brockman's tenure in brown and gold began to surface in July, as it was then understood the crafty goalsneak was weighing his Hawthorn future.
As Brockman is a non-free agent this year, a trade agreement between Hawthorn and an acquiring party would need to be struck this October.
Armed with a high-end first-round selection and an early-second-round pick, West Coast has ample draft capital to play with in trade negotiations.
