Is George Hewett on the move?
Are the Hawks turning away from Butters?
And AFL cartoon football?
All that and more from media buzz...
Hewett away
Overlooked Carlton midfielder George Hewett is a major watch in this year's trade and free agency period as reports have indicated there are growing frustrations coming from his camp.
Hewett was remarkably dropped from the senior side earlier in the year, and has failed to regain his spot under Michael Voss despite impressive VFL form.
The former Swan is contracted until the end of 2027, but could he begin looking elsewhere?
"There are growing frustrations around George Hewett as to potentially seeking a move out of Carlton if this continues."
Mitch Cleary on George Hewett's future 👉 https://t.co/axCuhle20B pic.twitter.com/3zOipj9Gd5
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 29, 2026
Salt please, no Butters for the Hawks
Hawthorn is understood to be turning its attention away from Port Adelaide star Zak Butters.
Butters is currently weighing up his future, with a host of Victorian clubs throwing their hat in the ring for his services.
However, the Hawks have withdrawn their initial interest, instead focusing on other top-line talent.
Gold Coast duo Bailey Humphrey and Ben King is on Sam Mitchell's radar.
Hawthorn has "essentially moved on" from Zak Butters, per Tom Morris. pic.twitter.com/G6YVjmCdXm
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 29, 2026
Cartoon football?
The AFL, Telstra and Champion Data are about to begin a trial called 'Optical Tracking' which helps automatically track players, assists umpires, the ARC and injuries.
But it could also unleash an alternate version of broadcasting where children can view the game as cartoon.
It could be unveiled in as little as three years.
"It might not be the Simpsons, it might not be Monsters Inc... This is coming to the AFL potentially as soon as three or four years' time."
Tom Morris on Telstra's 'optical tracking' and how it could lead to alternate broadcasts 👇 pic.twitter.com/r4dMhHjE95
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 29, 2026
























