GWS free agent Harry Perryman has reportedly met with a trio of key figures from Hawthorn, who are said to have offered a deal in the vicinity of $4 million over five seasons.
Perryman is one of the top remaining free agents in 2024 and falls under the unrestricted band, meaning the Giants can't stand in the way of the 25-year-old should he seek to join a second club.
GWS would earn draft compensation should Perryman depart via free agency, with the Hawks joined by Essendon and the two South Australian clubs in showing an interest in the utility's services.
Hawthorn's push to sign the Giants Academy product has reportedly ramped up, with the Victorian club sending coach Sam Mitchell, player acquisition manager Jarryd Roughead and vice-captain Dylan Moore to Sydney last week to meet with Perryman, according to Footy Classified'sย Caroline Wilson.
It is understood that Hawthorn have tabled a five-year offer to Perryman worth close to $800,000 per year as part of their "raid" to lure the versatile defender to Waverley.
"It's been a busy week for Dylan Moore, because the Hawthorn vice-captain was part of a contingent that performed a raid into Sydney last Wednesday, led by Sam Mitchell and their free agency man Jarryd Roughead," Wilson revealed on Monday evening.
"It was a reaid reminiscent of what happened when Travis Boak was attemptedly raided by the Geelong group led by Chris Scott. He went over with Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel and Joel Selwood.
"That wasn't successful, and this (move from the Hawks) may or may not be successful, but they have offered Harry Perryman five years around $800,000 a year for someone who is essentially a role player at GWS but could be more at a weaker club without such a good midfield.
"At least one of the two Adelaide clubs is still in [the race for Perryman], so is Essendon. He is weighing up (his future)."
The reported meeting between Perryman and Mitchell isn't the first of its kind for the Hawks coach, who is said to have spoken with another free agency target in St Kilda stopper Josh Battle already this season.
Both players would come at no trade cost for the Hawks as they are eligible to exercise their rights as unrestricted free agents, while Hawthorn could have the wiggle room to accommodate moves for both.
A deal valued at nearly $4 million for Perryman could net GWS band one compensation, which would come after their first-round draft pick - which currently sits at Pick 9.
Speaking toย AFL.com.auย over the past week, Perryman said his focus is on playing football, leaving contract decisions to his management.
"It's been interesting. I've never gone through this too much before. It's a pretty boring answer but I try to block all that stuff out and that's why I pay my manager so he can look after that," he said.
"Up in Sydney, it's easy as you're kind of away from it all. Hopefully, something can happen pretty soon over the next couple of weeks or month but if not we'll just try to keep playing good footy.
"My manager is always in contact with the club and trying to sort stuff out so he's working bloody hard."
Perryman is averaging 18.55 disposals, 4.91 marks, 3.73 rebound 50s and 3.45 tackles per game from 11 matches in 2024.
