Hawthorn’s Trade Strategy Disrupts AFL Trade Period Plans

Hawthorn Football Club has made a surprising move in the AFL trade period by trading their No.14 pick to Carlton, significantly altering anticipated transactions and plans involving several clubs. The trade, completed on Friday, saw Carlton acquire Hawthorn’s pick No.14 in exchange for their future first and second-round selections.

This move has significant implications for West Coast Eagles, who had plans to acquire pick No.14 at a minimum as part of a deal to trade defender Tom Barrass, who expressed a desire to join Hawthorn despite having three years left on his existing contract. It was anticipated that Barrass’s transfer to Hawthorn would facilitate a swift series of trades involving Richmond‘s vice-captain Liam Baker, intended to reunite with his friend Jack Graham at West Coast.

The drafted sequence has been impacted by Carlton’s acquisition, which may open the door for Fremantle Dockers to pursue Liam Baker, who has shown interest in returning to Western Australia. Fremantle, already active in discussions to recruit Richmond’s forward Shai Bolton, is reportedly considering leveraging their draft positioning to secure Baker as well.

Andrew McQualter, the new coach at West Coast, seemed unfazed by recent developments and reiterated his contentment with retaining Barrass. “He’s a very good player and he’s still contracted with us,” McQualter stated in an interview with SEN. “If it doesn’t get done, we’re happy to keep him on board. We’re looking for fair compensation.”

The strategic adjustment by Hawthorn also affects their draft prospects, with Mark McKenzie, national recruiting and list manager, expressing satisfaction with the deal’s outcomes. “We were open to exploring offers for our first-round pick this year,” he disclosed. “Gaining further draft assets from this trade gives us increased flexibility as the draft period progresses.”

This decision has not only shifted Hawthorn’s draft focus but also injected considerable unpredictability into the trade period. Carlton, having fortified their draft arsenal, now possesses multiple key draft positions that could further influence upcoming trade negotiations.