Veteran AFL recruiter Matt Rendell believes the GWS Giants would be a suitor for Hamish Hartlett.
The 31-year old was delisted by Port Adelaide after their Preliminary Final exit, putting an end to his 193 games for the club.
He’s publicly declared his intent to play on, and Rendell believes there should be multiple clubs interested in securing his services.
“I really like him, he got injured and missed the second half of the year, but he was something they really needed in defence,” Rendell told AFL Trade Radio’s The Late Trade.
“They’ve got Lachie Jones, who’s going to be a star, playing virtually the same role, so maybe that’s why they had (Hartlett) out.
“If he wants to play again, I assume his body is okay, he’s always had a few issues.
“If I want a tough half-back flanker with a heap of experience who uses the ball well, I’m going after him.”
The Giants exceeded expectations in 2021 to make the second week of the finals despite a long injury list, and with a full list, they’re likely to be premiership contenders in 2022.
With plenty of youth in the GWS backline, Hartlett might complement the best 22 well.
“Greater Western Sydney could use someone like him. They had a makeshift and young defence, but they cobbled it together from injuries,” Rendell said.
“They are a real chance to win the flag next year, along with lots of others. They can use someone like that playing at halfback.
“If he’s fit and well and his body is good, I’d be grabbing him for at least a year, do a year-by-year deal.”
While Hartlett battled injuries in 2021, he played every game in the 2019 season, averaging 15 disposals and two inside fifties a game.