Hawthorn are the latest side to delist a player with the intention to re-select them via the Rookie Draft, with triple premiership player Jack Gunston to be moved to the rookie list for the 2025 season.
Gunston, who was contracted for next season, will be removed from the Hawks' primary list to afford the club greater access to the National Draft.
“Ultimately this list move ensures the club is in the strongest position possible heading into the draft, which Jack was very supportive of,” McKenzie said.
“Jack's approach to this list manoeuvre speaks to his selflessness and commitment to Hawthorn in wanting to put the club in the best position moving forward.”
Hawthorn have selections 33, 71 and 77 for the 2024 AFL Draft, which will take place on November 20-21.
The 2024 Rookie Draft will commence on November 22.
The list chance follows Hawthorn's double signing announcement of Matt Hill and Jaime Uhr-Henry to their category B rookie list for the 2025 season, with the pair joining from rugby league and basketball backgrounds.
The Hawks have already confirmed the departures of Joshua Bennetts (delisted), Denver Grainger-Barras (delisted), Jack O'Sullivan (delisted), Ethan Phillips (delisted), Cooper Stephens (delisted), Clay Tucker (delisted) and Chad Wingard (retired) this off-season.
Gunston has played 260 career AFL games, 229 of which have come in the brown and gold. The 33-year-old played 18 games this year for a return of 29 goals.