Lloyd Meek has revealed a meeting with Sam and Lyndall Mitchell was key to his desire to join the Hawthorn Hawks.
A back-up ruckman at the Fremantle Dockers during the 2022 season, Meek had almost ten clubs chasing him according to reports during the trade period.
The 24-year-old was named in the WAFL team of the year for the Peel Thunder, but only managed six AFL games for Fremantle where he averaged 11.5 disposals and 19.5 hitouts per game.
The numbers were the best of his short career to date, having debuted for the Dockers during a 2021 season where he managed nine games.
The 15 career games come after he was taken at Pick 69 in the 2017 national draft, taking four seasons to break into the top grade.
Speaking to AFL.com.au, Meek said he was frustrated at the lack of opportunity during his time at Fremantle.
"I'd be lying if I said it [being starved of opportunity] wasn't frustrating. I think anyone in the same position – there were guys in the same position with me playing at Peel – and we were all frustrated," he said.
"A lot of wanting to explore opportunities and a lot of wanting to come to Hawthorn initially was based around that, until I heard more about the exciting group.
"I was stuck behind Sean Darcy and Rory Lobb, and with talk of Lobby leaving and Jackson coming, it probably didn't change a heap.
"At the end of the day, I was probably not going to be in the mix really in the best 22. I think everyone reaches a point in their career where you've got to try and build your own career not based off other people's injuries; that's what I was ready to do."
With Ben McEvoy retiring in August, the Hawks ruck spot is wide open, however, all of Ned Reeves, Max Lynch and youngster Max Ramsden are at the club to fight for the position.
Meek said that while plenty of clubs were interested, he was happy to be at Hawthorn.
"Sam and Lyndall are incredibly impressive people. Their character and all values and everything he told me about the club has all been true," Meek said.
"The prospect of coming to Hawthorn was really exciting. The stage the club is at, I can be a part of it and really help the club grow and build.
"He personally is an outstanding character who really puts his players first. He is so fresh out of the game, so he feels like another player. His ability to connect with the group and ability to hold players accountable … but you know he has your best interests at heart.
"When he and Lyndall came over, at one point I mentioned you guys don't have to come over – it's a long flight, I know you're incredibly busy – but for them to show the effort and commitment to us and show their interest screamed volumes before they'd even arrived."
Hawthorn had a dismal 2022 season, finishing 13th and 16 points out of the top eight. They will launch their 2023 season with a Sunday afternoon clash against the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.