Hawthorn list boss Mark McKenzie has provided an update on numerous dealings of the Hawks’ trade period so far, including the details of their ruck conundrum.
The Hawks finished 14th in 2021 and have publicly said they intend to go to the draft this year, with three picks in the top 30.
However, it also appears they are searching for a young ruckman.
Jon Ceglar played in that role for the club throughout most of 2021, however, the 30-year-old doesn’t fit in the current list profile.
SEN Chief Sports Reporter Sam Edmund reported on Thursday morning that Hawthorn are happy to offload Ceglar from their books and pay a portion of his wage, McKenzie admitting the two parties had undergone “conversations”.
“Us at the club have had pretty open conversations with Ceglar and his management group in regard to if there are any opportunities that might benefit Ceglar and also the club,” McKenzie told AFL Trade Radio’s The Early Trade.
“(If there are) then he can definitely have a look there but, he’s a contracted player and he’s been great for our football club, so he could very much remain a Hawthorn player from our end.”
The Hawks have multiple options to replace Ceglar with a young ruckman, Collingwood’s Max Lynch and Port Adelaide’s Peter Ladhams have been thrown up as options in recent days.
Lynch is stuck behind Brodie Grundy at the Pies and has played just three games in two years, while Ladhams is also looking for more senior opportunities.
McKenzie confirmed that the club “definitely (has) some interest there” in regard to Lynch.
However, Ladhams will not be joining the Hawks, McKenzie confirming Port Adelaide’s asking price was too high to pay.
“We won't be heading down that line,” he said about Ladhams.
“From our point of view, that strong draft hand and looking to improve that was probably the main priority.
“Pete is a great player and has some strings to his bow … (but) he doesn’t match up with what we have to potentially outlay from a picks point of view, so we’ve removed ourselves from that conversation.”
One player that does fit the Hawks' list profile is West Coast utility Jarrod Brander, the 22-year-old reportedly seeking a fresh start after 22 games across four seasons for the Eagles.
McKenzie wouldn’t rule out a trade for Brander, but confirmed he’s yet to speak to the talented prospect.
“There’s still a bit to play out over the next few days, we haven’t gone and spoken to Jarrad,” he said.
“We know the position he’s in from that avenue, so you can’t rule out anything at this point in time but it hasn’t been something that’s gone forward from our club.”
Tim O’Brien officially joined the Western Bulldogs as a restricted free agent on Thursday, McKenzie farewelling him as a “great person.”
“I’m sure he’ll play some great footy in the future,” he said.