Key Hawk assured of role ahead of star Sun's arrival

Hawthorn has told Mabior Chol his position in the side will not be threatened by the likely arrival of Suns spearhead Ben King.

King’s almost certain arrival as a restricted free agent has case doubt over the futures of several Hawks forwards and prompted the Chol camp to recently seek answers from the club.

Chol was told his role would not be affected by King and that he was very much considered a key part of the Hawks’ set-up next year.

The 29-year-old forward-ruck is contracted until the end of 2027, with talks on a new deal expected to ramp up early next year.

King would be joining Hawthorn after Mitch Lewis signed a four-year contract in July, while in the same month Jack Gunston agreed to a new one-year deal.

Calsher Dear appears likely to leave Hawthorn, who have only offered a modest two-year deal to retain the father-son forward.

After a bright 2024 season, Dear has struggled to find consistent form and fitness in the two years since and has met with Melbourne.