Melbourne is in the business of getting better, and they think Hawthorn duo Calsher Dear and Bailey McDonald can improve their list.
The Demons have shocked the competition with the immediate rise under new coach Steven King, and are understood to be chasing Dear and McDonald, who are both out of contract at the Hawks, according to AFL Media.
Dear, a Hawthorn father-son gun, is assessing his options amid a forward line squeeze at Dingley, which will further increase with the imminent arrival of Gold Coast free agent Ben King.
SEE MORE: Why Hawthorn can fit Ben King without sacrificing its structure – but it may come at a cost
The 21-year-old has played five games this year after an injury-interrupted pre-season, as well as failing to cement his spot in the senior side.
Last week, Hawthorn unveiled Aidan Schubert in the forward line following Mitch Lewis' concussion, placing him alongside Jack Gunston and Mabior Chol in the front half.
Hawks coach Sam Mitchell has been honest about Dear's prospects throughout the year as he struggles to find form, resulting in the tall playing down back for a few weeks in the VFL.
The Demons aren't the only club set to assess Dear's future, with clubs like Collingwood, Gold Coast, Richmond and Carlton in the market for a key forward.
McDonald is a modern-day half-back, displaying his speed and dare in his 18 games, including 10 this year.
The 22-year-old has garnered interest from Melbourne, and has links to the club, with former Hawk Changkuoth Jiath joining the red and blue at the end of last year. He has largely been behind the likes of Jarman Impey and Karl Amon in the past few years.
McDonald has a two-year deal in front of him at the Hawks.
Hawthorn also announced the re-signing of pressure forward and rugby convert Matt Hill to a two-year deal.
Hill debuted in Round 18 this year and has impressed since crossing codes. He joined the Hawks at the end of 2024 as a Category B Rookie.
