Hawthorn's fears that success with an old team could squeeze out young players could in part be realised with promising young talent Jed Anderson asking for a trade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Anderson is contracted for next year but has asked the Hawks that if a trade was possible he would like to move to another club and get more opportunities for regular senior football.
Anderson was down the pecking order at Hawthorn this year with the midfielder and forward managing only four games for the season as he tried to work his way back into the team after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury. He played six games in his debut season of 2013.
Billy Hartung, emergency in the grand final, is pushing to be next in line to come into the team while Will Langford, a premiership player last year, had also been edged out of the team this year and is determined to reclaim a place. The club also traded in Jono O'Rourke from Greater Western Sydney last year and he is among the players - including Anderson - the club had earmarked as the next generation to begin working into the team to keep the premiers rejuvenating.
Premiership player Matthew Suckling appears certain to join the Western Bulldogs as a free agent, which frees up one place in the Hawks' senior team. Brendan Whitecross is another free agent and would seem poised to leave for further opportunities.
West Coast is keen on Anderson, 21, who is originally from Katherine in the Northern Territory, while Essendon and Carlton are also believed to be among several more clubs already expressing interest in the fringe Hawk. Others are sure to join the hunt if they believe he is attainable.
Hawthorn list manager Graham Wright said the club had consented to Anderson speaking to other clubs and canvassing options.
"He has asked us if he can have a look and we have agreed," Wright said. "We understand that he would like more opportunities but we feel that opportunities will come with us. We have allowed him to talk to a couple of clubs and we will see where that takes us, but Jed is a contracted player for next year and a required player.
"Like any club, we certainly won't be doing anything unless it is right for us."
Hawthorn had already indicated ahead of this trade period that they were unlikely to be active in seeking to bring players into the club and were more inclined towards the draft so it would appear likely a club would have to offer draft picks rather than a player in any exchange for Anderson likely to tempt the Hawks.
