AFL player manager Julian Petracca has given an insight into Massimo D’Ambrosio’s trade request to Hawthorn, stating that he is confident a deal will be struck.
After being taken by the Bombers in the 2022 mid-season draft, D’Ambrosio impressed many with his speed and penetrating kick, slotting into the senior side for the second half of last year.
However, he fell out of favour as Brad Scott took over as coach, managing just eight games this season, four of them as the substitute.
This led to a trade request to the Hawks, with Hemisphere Management's Petracca claiming that talks are progressing well.
“It’s just one of those ones that kept bubbling away throughout the year; he’s obviously out of contract, on the rookie list at Essendon,” he told AFL Trade Radio’s Gettable.
“The Hawks declared a little bit of interest and just kept the conversations going and it got to a point where they were prepared to offer him a two-year deal.
“I think things are progressing well with Essendon and Hawthorn from a trade sense. I don’t think anything will happen over the next couple of days, but probably more of a Tuesday, Wednesday job.
“I’m pretty confident it’ll get done.”
Petracca also admitted it was a tough decision for D’Ambrosio, who quickly formed many bonds at the Bombers since being drafted.
“Yeah, in the end it was (a tricky call) – he’s a pretty loyal kid, obviously only been there for 18 months,” he said.
“I think it just came down to opportunity and a bit of job security.”
This year’s trade period closes next Wednesday evening, giving the Hawks and Essendon time to figure out a trade for the young speedster.