The 2015 free agency and trade period looks to be busy for the Hawks. There is the opportunity to sign a big name player in Patrick Dangerfield, but there may also trade for another established ruckman.
Dangerfield should be a high priority for the Hawks. Current reports suggest that he will end up at Geelong, but the Hawks can offer something the Cats can’t: the chance of winning a premiership.
That is a strong appeal for any player, and the Hawks have the room in the salary cap to make a play for Dangerfield.
Dangerfield will provide the Hawks with more inside grunt, run and carry on the outside, and the ability to go forward and kick goals – the sort of versatility the Hawks like.
Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell are ageing well but only have two to three years remaining in their illustrious careers. If the Hawks secure Dangerfield’s services they will have someone able to maintain that strong presence for the Hawks in the midfield after Hodge and Mitchell retire.
The Hawks may also trade for an established ruckman, if – as expected – 2015 is David Hale’s last season.
The Hawks recently traded for Ben McEvoy, not only due to the departure of Max Bailey but also with an eye to Hale’s retirement. Unfortunately for the Hawks, McEvoy is yet to provide the level of consistency they would have expected.
He spent a good portion of the 2014 season playing with Box Hill, only getting the call up for the grand final due to structural reasons. This season he has found himself in the VFL once again, with Hale and Jonathon Ceglar the preferred ruck combination.
To replace Hale, the Hawks could draft an 18-year-old and develop him, but ruckmen sometimes take years to develop. It also would place the Hawks in a predicament where, if through injury or suspension, McEvoy or Ceglar were unable to play this youngster would have to play a role he would not be ready for.
Trading in an established ruckman is the best alternative, as they would receive a player able to come into the side from the outset. It also could present the Hawks with the opportunity to find a ruckman capable of providing consistency.
But which ruckman should they target? And who would they be willing to trade?
It certainly shapes as an interesting offseason for the reigning premiers.
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