Jack of all trades: Mystery surrounds a possible Gunston return to Hawthorn
Jack Gunston’s trade request back to Hawthorn – one year after leaving for Brisbane – blindsided the Hawks and is no certainty to eventuate.
Gunston, who is holidaying overseas, including playing golf in the United States with Hawthorn captain James Sicily and Lions teammate Charlie Cameron, has not spoken to the Hawks about his intention to return.
It is almost an unprecedented move in that sense, and remains shrouded in mystery, especially with Hawthorn indicating that trade targets Mabior Chol and Massimo D’Ambrosio are still their priorities.
Gold Coast remain firm on wanting a future second-round pick in return for Chol, which the Hawks are baulking at to date.
Gunston’s high-profile agent, Tom Petroro, had dialogue with the Hawks recently – alerting them he might want to return to Victoria – and since the trade request became public, a source familiar with the situation told The Age.
This masthead was aware in recent weeks that Gunston was weighing up a return to Victoria, but the situation accelerated in the past few days.
There is a theory Gunston’s trade request could also be about attracting the interest of fellow Victorian clubs, such as Melbourne and Richmond, where ex-Hawthorn assistant Adem Yze is now in charge.
The Demons previously expressed interest in the 32-year-old, who played in the Hawks’ 2013-15 flag three-peat and kicked 410 goals in 211 games.
Gunston kicked 22 goals in 17 games for the Lions this past season, but fell out of favour mid-year and embarked on a mini-pre-season before reclaiming his spot.
A knee injury sidelined him late in the season, and he was unable to force his way into Chris Fagan’s senior side despite being declared available ahead of the preliminary final.
Brisbane have acknowledged Gunston’s trade request, but are “assessing its position”, given he is contracted until the end of next season.
The Lions agreed to trade ruck-forward Tom Fullarton to Melbourne for pick 47, and he will effectively replace Brodie Grundy, who was brought in a year ago to fill Luke Jackson’s void.
The Demons are also trying to trade for Adelaide’s Shane McAdam, but the Crows have not accepted their offer of a future second-round selection.
AFL trade news: Hawks reportedly reject first offer for player, draft pick currently on the table
A draft pick is said to currently be on the table, though Hawthorn isn’t satisfied.
Hawthorn is reportedly haggling with the West Coast Eagles in negotiations for Western Australian forward Tyler Brockman.
The off-contract livewire previously requested a trade from Victoria to his home state, nominating the Eagles as his destination of choice despite recent Fremantle interest.
Discussions aren’t quite going as planned, however, as the Hawks have rejected West Coast’s opening offer of Pick 44 for Brockman, according to AFL Media journalist Cal Twomey.
While Hawthorn doesn’t hold much leverage in exchange talks, the two sides remain hopeful of cementing an agreement prior to next Wednesday night’s trade deadline.
If worse comes to worse, though, West Coast can scoop up Brockman with its No. 1 pick at the Pre-Season Draft.
Twomey added the Dockers have offered the 20-year-old goalsneak a four-year contract in an attempt to pry him away from the Eagles, though the exciting youngster is understood to be remaining steadfast in his desire to head to Lathlain.
If the Hawks don’t budge in their declination of West Coast’s No. 44 choice, which sits at the top of the third round, the Eagles could, alternatively, offer their Pick 37, which arrives at the back end of Round 2. An additional pick swap could also be on the cards.
In totality, West Coast currently boasts picks 1, 23, 37, 44, 58, and 63 at the 2023 National Draft, which commences on November 20.
The Eagles are also expected to continue discussions around potentially offloading the first overall pick; potentially to one of the likes of North Melbourne, Melbourne, or Hawthorn, among others.
This year’s exchange window is set to close next Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 PM (AEDT), with selection trading to then re-open on Monday, October 23 up until and through the draft’s proceedings.
