Hawthorn fans have potentially seen their club's off-season planning flipped on its head in the wake of comments made by president Jeff Kennt in a letter to members this week.
Both Kennett and newly-appointed senior coach Sam Mitchell have looked to explain the club's stance for the trade period however, yet rival clubs are believed to be mulling over potential moves for a quartet of contracted stars.
Jack Gunston, Jaeger O'Meara, Tom Mitchell and Chad Wingard have quickly become the face of speculation at Waverley, with there to be some suggestion each of the Hawthorn foursome could be 'gettable' for the right price.
That price is believed to be high-end picks for next month's National Draft, with Sam Mitchell looking to strengthen the club's draft haul in his first off-season as coach.
Hawthorn currently hold picks 5, 21, 24, 56 and 62 for the Draft, with further first-round selections a great desire.
Should the Hawks formally open up discussions with rival clubs for any of the aforementioned four senior figures, there would be several sides that would be keen to potentially send their top draft selection to Waverley.
With this in mind, we take a look at the best clubs suited to each of the four headlined Hawks.
The sharp-shooting spearhead has been a great service to the club since moving from Adelaide ahead of the 2012 season.
Having been a key cog in three flags with the brown and gold, Gunston would offer any club an unparalleled degree of premiership experience that you can't find elsewhere.
The veteran forward would be seen as a stellar signing for the Swans, reuniting with former premiership teammate Lance Franklin and helping the development of young gun Logan McDonald as the Bloods embark on another premiership tilt.
The trio would be a lethal combination for John Longmire, with All-Australian forward Tom Papley at their feet and versatile star Isaac Heeney also aiding the attack.
With the Swans understood to be facing salary strains, and the Hawks likely to be able to pay a portion of Gunston's contract, a cheap and formidable offering for the 209-gamer may be a win-win for both clubs.
Other options: Brisbane, Fremantle
Port Adelaide have already emerged as one potential suitor for the silky Hawks onballer, however a move back to Western Australia may be the better fit for O'Meara.
The Dockers were made to bid farewell to promising midfielder Adam Cerra this trade window, however his departure - partnered with other dealings - has given Fremantle one of the strongest draft hands in the competition.
Adding Pick 6 to their arsenal, Fremantle now possess four picks at the top of the board (6, 8, 19 and 22) along with their future first-round selection.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The Dockers are one of only a few clubs to be able to boast such a desirable draft hand for the Hawks, and would be keen to add to their midfield following Cerra's departure.
O'Meara would be able to bridge the age gap in Justin Longmuir's engine room, with veteran duo Nat Fyfe and David Mundy sharing the workload with rising stars Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong.
The Dockers' midfield would welcome back a star name while the Hawks land a desired top draft pick.
Other options: Port Adelaide, Richmond
The Brownlow medallist has been the name most tied to a move away from Waverley this year, despite his own reassurances.
A switch to Alberton Oval would see Mitchell link up with a premiership contender and add to a star-studded midfield ensemble.
Following consecutive prelimary final exits, Mitchell could be the catalyst the Power are craving in order to secure that elusive second AFL premiership.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
With father time soon to be knocking for Travis Boak, Mitchell would firm as a damaging partner-in-crime for 2021 'Charlie' winner Ollie Wines. while also being an astute signing for the Power as they also bide time with an emerging young midfield trio in Zak Butters, Connor Rozee and Xavier Duursma.
Port Adelaide's first selection for this year's draft falls at 16th overall. Would that be enough to satisfy Sam Mitchell?
Other options: Richmond, Gold Coast
The Dogs once came after Wingard as his future with the Power was being assessed, however the Port Adelaide best and fairest winner opted for the nest instead of a kennel.
Should he find a third club in his career, the Dogs would be seen as a fitting new home this time around.
Having managed a Grand Final berth this season, the Bulldogs are well within their premiership window and could utilise the crafty Hawks as a stimulant to lure in that next flag.
Forward
Disposals
Clearances
Goals
A forward line boasting the likes of Aaron Naughton, Josh Bruce, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Cody Weightman, Wingard and the imminent Sam Darcy would be sure to keep every defence on the back foot.
The glaring dilemma for this scenario would be the Dogs' draft hand, with Luke Beveridge already parting ways with his top selection for this season in order to accumulate greater draft points to land Darcy.
The Bulldogs may have to get creative with future draft selections in order to aid a move for Wingard.
Other options: Gold Coast, Essendon