Hawthorn has declared its pursuit of the No.1 draft pick is “definitely real” but its chase for Bailey Smith is off, with the midfielder set to remain a Bulldog.
But the Hawks will get the chance to come up with a trade for Gold Coast forward Mabior Chol after he confirmed his request for a move to the club.
Hawks list boss Rob McCartney said Smith was a “wonderful player”, but the powerful midfielder’s management had made it clear to the club he wanted to stay at Whitten Oval.
Holding pick 3 in the draft, Hawthorn was “willing” to deal with West Coast for the top pick, McCartney said. which would likely be used to take Bendigo Pioneers star Harley Reid.
He said 20-year-old forward Tyler Brockman, who wants to return home to play for the Ea...
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