Hawthorn star Jack Gunston has been exploring his options with a year to run on his contract, according to Essendon great Matthew Lloyd.
It comes after Hawks football boss Richie Vandenberg revealed the club is open to trading established players to improve its 2021 draft hand.
“Even this year we want to continue to improve our draft hand, that is the way we want to go. We are looking at all kinds of ways we can go,” Vandenberg told the Herald Sun.
“We are looking at trading picks, future picks, current picks, salary cap movement, players.”
Gunston, a three-time premiership forward, played just one game in 2021 due to a persistent back injury and is contracted for 2022.
“I know for a fact Gunston was exploring (his options) a month or so ago,” Lloyd told AFL Trade Radio’s The Early Trade.
“It’ll be interesting to see at his age and the injuries that he’s had whether there’s any takers for Jack and his salary and what other teams can fit him into their salary cap.
“I think in the next few days we may hear a little bit more about what player could potentially move on from Hawthorn.”
Lloyd agreed with a suggestion from a Trade Radio texter that Gunston, 29, would be an ideal fit at the Brisbane Lions.
“Gunston seems a great fit for the Lions for what they need,” he said.
“They’re right up there, they’re going to challenge for a premiership next year, (Eric) Hipwood’s out.
“I think Gunston is a better player than (Dan) McStay but together – Gunston, McStay and Joey Daniher and then you’ve got all those smalls … I like that.
“I know Gunston’s got to be willing to move … but it would work for him, the Brisbane Lions and for Hawthorn if all parties were keen.”
Hawthorn will currently take picks 5, 21, 24, 59 and 65 to this year’s draft.