Trade talk: Hawks father-son meets with Dees ahead of contract call

Hawthorn young gun Calsher Dear has met with Melbourne amid links to a possible move.

Out of contract at the end of the year, the Hawks’ father-son prospect has remained on the outer this season, with Mitch Lewis’ return limiting Dear to just five appearances in 2026.

On Monday, Hawthorn GM Rob McCartney stating that 21-year-old’s future is in his own hands, with a two-year deal to remain a Hawk on the table.

With linked to numerous clubs around the AFL, Tom Morris has reported that the young key forward has met with the Demons ahead of a crucial off-season.

“Calsher Dear has met with Melbourne,” Morris told SEN Locked In.

“He has met with the Dees, and he is assessing his future. The Hawks have offered a two-year deal and there are other clubs involved as well.

“A future with Jacob van Rooyen and Calsher Dear in the same forward line, with Harrison Petty – the Dees like this.

“What is Calsher Dear worth? Out of contract, hasn’t been playing. I think it’s (a pick) in the 20s. I think ends up pushing out to the 20s.

“The thing is, clubs are keen for picks in this year’s draft, with Tassie coming in next year. Future picks won’t be circulated as much going forward.”

Within his five games this year, Dear has averaged nine disposals while booting four goals.

The 195cm tall was a standout in his debut season in 2024, booting 25 goals across 17 games before falling out of favour in the Hawks’ stacked forward line.

Multiple clubs have been linked to the young gun, with Collingwood, St Kilda, Geelong and Carlton all rumoured to hold interest in Dear’s services.