GWS Giants forward Jake Riccardi is reportedly being courted by Hawthorn amid intrigue that he may not receive a new contract with the Giants beyond this season.
According toย SEN's Tom Morris, the Hawks, who are said to be in a solid position salary cap-wise, have made clear their interest in potentially acquiring the out-of-contract 23-year-old if he is not offered a new deal at GWS.
Speaking onย SEN Breakfast on Monday, Morris reported that Hawthorn has its eyes on Riccardi.
"This morning I can tell you two things, Hawthorn has expressed an interest in him, they are looking for more goalkickers and their salary cap is in a strong position, and GWS is yet to offer him a deal," said Morris.
"You've got an out-of-contract forward who kicked five goals on the weekend, who's 23 years old, who hasn't been offered a deal by his current club.
"I think he's going to be hot property if he remains out of contract at the end of the season."
Despite having only played 38 games across four seasons at GWS, Riccardi has shown glimpses of promise in his short AFL stint.
In his most recent outing against the Dockers on Saturday afternoon, he booted five goals, leading all-comers in a resounding victory.
While Riccardi remains out of contract, he is not an impending free agent, meaning any team switch for Riccardi would have to be orchestrated via trade.
Meantime, the young Hawks have surprisingly found some form despite the criticism of their offseason leading some to believe they may have been tanking.
Their forward line currently contains the likes of veteran Luke Breust, who will turn 33 years of age by the end of the year, and young guns Dylan Moore and Mitch Lewis.
In his nine games played so far in season 2023, Riccardi is averaging 1.4 goals a game along with 4.4 marks.
