Hawthorn is interested in luring West Coast forward Liam Ryan across the Nullabor in this year’s trade period, reports Channel Seven’s Mitch Cleary.
The 2018 premiership Eagle is contracted for 2024 and has played six seasons for West Coast since being drafted in 2016.
Cleary reports the Hawks are waiting on an indication from Ryan as to whether he’d entertain a move as West Coast looks to rebuild via the draft.
“The Hawks are tonight exploring an approach to West Coast forward Liam Ryan… the Hawks ready to pounce should he express a desire to leave amid the Eagles’ woes,” Cleary told 7News.
Hawthorn is set to launch a daring trade raid on a premiership high-flyer. @cleary_mitch has exclusive details. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb @7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/JPQu7fWRrD
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) July 28, 2023
Ryan has booted over 20 goals in four seasons to date while impressing with his aerial ability. He was drafted out of Western Australia and the club in July ruled him out for the season with a persistent hamstring injury.
As it stands, Hawthorn has picks 3, 32, 50 and 75 in this year’s draft. Tom Barrass is already linked with a move away from West Coast, while Elliot Yeo and Andrew Gaff have also been speculated.