Delisted Essendon defender Michael Hartley is set to join a third AFL club.
According to AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey, Hawthorn is the likely destination for Hartley after he opted out of the Bombers for greater opportunities.
It’s understood other clubs have been keeping tabs on the 26-year-old by monitoring his performances in the VFL.
Hartley, who made just seven senior appearances in two years at Tullamarine, knocked back a contract offer by Essendon to explore a move to another club.
Michael Hurley, Cale Hooker, Aaron Francis and Patrick Ambrose were all ahead of Hartley in the pecking order for defensive spots at the Bombers.
The addition of the former Collingwood rookie would further bolster the Hawks’ defence following the addition of Melbourne backman Sam Frost.