Kane Cornes thinks Port Adelaide and Richmond are “in play” to pinch a star player at Hawthorn before the trade period shuts on Wednesday night.
It’s understood the Hawks are prepared to trade one of four senior contracted players – Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O'Meara, Chad Wingard and Jack Gunston – to strengthen their draft hand as they look to rebuild under new coach Sam Mitchell.
The Power have been linked with O'Meara while the Tigers are loaded with draft capital, holding four picks inside the top 30 in this year’s draft.
“Other clubs are going, ‘they (Hawthorn) are desperate, you’re not going to get market rate or the actual value that these players deserve because of the other clubs knowing how desperate they are’,” Cornes told AFL Trade Radio’s The Early Trade.
“I think the two clubs in play here are certainly Port Adelaide, just sitting back there in desperate need of midfield depth.
“And I’d keep a watch on Richmond.
“The situation they’re in, the draft hand they’ve got and maybe the ability to pick off a couple of players for a bargain basement price like the Western Bulldogs did last year and bolster that midfield.
“It’s a mess at Hawthorn, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”
Matthew Lloyd added: “It’s too good an opportunity for other clubs and it’s been put out there by Hawthorn.
“I’d be surprised if one of them hasn’t moved on by Wednesday night.”
The Tigers currently hold picks 7, 15, 26, 28, 38, 40 and 83 in the 2021 National Draft, while Port’s picks are 16, 63, 73, 74 and 92.