Jack Gunston could be making a return to Hawthorn just 12 months after being traded to Brisbane, according to shock reports.
According to AFL journalist Damian Barrett, the veteran forward, who struggled with injury and form in his first season as a Lion and failed to play in any of the club’s three finals, is keen for a return to Victoria, with the Lions ‘aware and respectful’ of his wishes.
The 31-year old triple-premiership Hawk rejected a two-year contract offer and requested a move to the Lions in the 2022 Trade Period as an unrestricted free agent, with the clubs choosing to engage in a trade to allow Brisbane to retain their compensation pick for losing Daniel McStay to Collingwood.
The Lions released a club statement on Friday confirming they are prepared to deal, despite Gunston still being under contract.
“While understanding Jack’s situation, as a contracted player the club is assessing its position and will work through its options,” the statement reads.
However, having been touted as a potential game-changer for the Lions’ premiership ambitions, Gunston struggled to find his best form, kicking just 11 goals in his first 11 matches before making the brutal call, alongside fellow veteran Daniel Rich, to omit himself from the team following a shock loss to old club Hawthorn in Round 13.
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Gunston made a triumphant return a month later with a six-goal haul against West Coast that earned him three Brownlow Medal votes, but suffered a knee injury in Round 22 that sidelined him for the start of the Lions’ grand final campaign, and left him unable to force his way into the line-up once recovered.
The veteran was a key figure in the Hawks’ golden era that featured three consecutive premierships between 2013-15, while as that champion team slowly disbanded was one of the few to remain as the team slid down the ladder in subsequent seasons.
After arriving at the Hawks from Adelaide in 2012, Gunston quickly established himself as a key foil to first Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead, and then Roughead alone following the former’s trade to Sydney.
He booted 50 goals or more in four of five season between 2014 and 2018, while managing 46 majors in 2013, including a bag of four in the grand final that saw him finish second in Norm Smith Medal voting behind eventual winner Brian Lake.
Named All-Australian for the first and only time in 2018 to steer the Hawks to a surprise top-four berth, Gunston also won the Peter Crimmins Medal as the club’s best and fairest in 2020, while he led the Hawks’ goalkicking in 2015, 2016 and 2020.
dargerovitch
Roar Rookie
Ha ha , i was wrong . Hawthorn did want / take him back. but i think they were wrong to do it. And Damian Barrett is still a ( can't use the word i want to b/c i'd like this comment published.)
dargerovitch
Roar Rookie
Second sentence in this story stars with "According to AFL journalist Damian Barrett..." thus proving the rumours are b.s. Now way would Hawthorn want him , unless he's happy to play for VFL side Box Hill. Over 30 , patchy form , walked out when the club wanted to keep him = def. not part of the club's rebuilding scheme. \
Wikipetia
Roar Rookie
i dunno. i don't speak for him. only for me.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Why would Gunston play for a side that won’t play finals and are on the skids. Then again why would he go back to the denuded Hawks?
Wikipetia
Roar Rookie
you American hobbit you, you bitter hater and methinks. tertiary educated Shiresit.
Frodo
Roar Rookie
It wouldn't be a premiership ring, would it? He choked when given the opportunity to win a flag.
Wikipetia
Roar Rookie
What have done with the One? Oneanism got the better of you?
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Has he got a ring?
Wikipetia
Roar Rookie
Man I hope he shoves the ring up your ring by proving you wrong
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Methinks you're fantasising, Wiki. He aint the player you seem to think he is anymore.
Wikipetia
Roar Rookie
I thought you would know that given your claims Double Brownlow medallist plays 15 real good games with Maturity and leadership and you get him for SFA and you are passing Stick to fantasy O reckon. And get off the road….
Frodo
Roar Rookie
15 games? Geez that's a risk I would not take. At any price (he is contracted). Has he played 15 games in the last 3 years?
Wikipetia
Roar Rookie
15 games a year from him if he got back to his best, you’d take that for sure. either in a team ready to win the flag, or a team right down the bottom With 18 teams I would be surprised if he didn’t get enquiries from around half - eagles, crows, tigers, hawks, Roos. Demons. Giants. Suns. At least Especially as he would be for free
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Stop playing musical chairs you might fall over :stoked:
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Fair enough. The difference being Boak played a full season, I believe. No injury problems. Ffyffe hasn't had an injury free season for several years. His output has been negligible. I'd be horrified if the team I support picked up a 'Ffyffe' at this stage of their careers. Would be a waste of money and a waste of a spot on the list.
Wikipetia
Roar Rookie
The fairest way to answer that O reckon is this - if Freo delisted Fyfe and he was fit and said he wants to play on, would someone pick him up. Pretty sure the answer is yes. So why retire from the club you have poured your heart and body into! Long time retired… He’s 32 and Boaky just got the green light to go ahead m, much much older and much less good (while still great) at his peak
Wikipetia
Roar Rookie
Surely Daniher and Gunston makes more sense than Daniher and Hipwood and Gunston or Daniher and Hipwood? to be honest i would have him at richmond to play a more reliable foil for Lynch (if we keep him) cf former Jack, and/or Kozi. JK can be invested in to be the next Lynch. not because we want to fight for a flag but he is the sort of guy who will teach a younger midfield where to put the ball most times
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Ffyffe could learn from this and retire gracefully rather than take the money and hack around for a coupla more seasons, don't ya think Donny?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
The Lions owe him...(for dropping himself). It got them to the big dance.
Wikipetia
Roar Rookie
Melbourne....