Hawthorn’s Tom Mitchell is believed to be exploring his trade options.
Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary is reporting that the 2018 Brownlow Medallist and former Sydney midfielder is assessing a possible move to a third club.
Mitchell, 29, has a year left to run on his current contract and is evaluating what might be next after his name was also mentioned in trade circles last year.
It is understood that Collingwood is aware of the situation.
“Last year the Hawks led the talk, now they’re aware of Mitchell’s thinking and happy to accommodate a trade,” said Cleary.
“Collingwood is among the clubs who have been made aware of the situation and will monitor Mitchell, but do have bigger trade priorities.
“Mitchell has links to Craig McRae, Brendon Bolton and Graham Wright from their Hawks days.”
The Magpies would need to make some salary cap space for Mitchell, who is believed to be on more than $800,000 at the Hawks next year.
They Pies are already showing considerable interest in Brisbane’s Dan McStay and GWS small forward Ian Hill, while highly-paid ruckman Brodie Grundy could potentially be on the move.
It would be unlikely that they seriously pursue Mitchell if Grundy were to stay at Collingwood.
However, The Age is reporting the Hawks would be prepared to pay a portion of Mitchell’s salary in 2023.
Mitchell spent less time in the middle this season with coach Sam Mitchell opting for more youthful on-ballers.
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Sam McClure and Matthew Richardson discussed the news on Sportsday, pondering which other clubs might also be interested in Mitchell.
“This has been bubbling along for the best part of two years, maybe 18 months,” McClure said.
“Will Tom go? Should he accept a trade? He said a few months ago he was happy staying at Hawthorn.
“Clearly Sam Mitchell and Hawthorn think that there could be value for both parties in him going. He’s been in and out of the side.
“That’s really interesting.”
Richardson said: “I saw a report that he had met with St Kilda, but that may be incorrect.
“Jack Steele and Brad Crouch, they’re sort of similar. They need run.”
McClure added: “I’m not sure he’d fit the Saints.
“I think they need more pace outside. Thy need what Hannebery was going to be when he left Sydney.”
Richardson believes the 171-gamer still has plenty to offer a team eager to secure a quality clearance and contested ball winner.
“He still gets 30 a game,” he added.
“If you just want an extractor, he’s one of the best in the business of getting it and handing it out to people who can then use the ball, run from stoppage and burst clear.”
That’s where the Magpies link is significant as they have been the second worst centre clearance team in the competition this season.