Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has hinted the club is prepared to make some surprise list management calls during the trade period.
In a letter to members, Kennett touched on the Hawks’ trade and draft plans and that such decisions will be made after “careful consideration of the club’s future needs”.
It comes after Hawthorn list manager Mark McKenzie told AFL Trade Radio the club is “open to any discussions” about players and draft picks.
“We are in the trade and, soon, the draft activities of the football year,” Kennett said.
“This List Committee will have the fundamental responsibility of deciding on the type and position of players for our next tilt at silverware. This group will report to the Football Committee under the leadership of Board member Richie Vandenberg.
“The Board will be kept informed of both committees’ thought processes, but we delegate trade and drafting to those we employ who are better qualified than us to make the necessary decisions. Obviously, we will keep members informed as the weeks unfold.
“We may be surprised at some of the (trade/draft) decisions made but be assured they will be made after careful consideration of the club’s future needs by those we charge to make such decisions.”
Vandenberg recently said the Hawks are exploring “all kinds of ways” to improve their 2021 draft hand.
“We are looking at trading picks, future picks, current picks, salary cap movement, players,” Vandenberg told the Herald Sun.
Hawthorn will currently take picks 5, 21, 24, 59, 65 and 81 to this year’s draft.