Hawthorn father-son forward Calsher Dear is quickly becoming a wanted man, which is no surprise given the mooted arrival of Gold Coast free agent Ben King.
After bursting onto the AFL scene, playing 17 games in his maiden campaign at the top flight, Dear has struggled to regain that impressive form, playing 14 games in the past two years.
Injury has curtailed his 2026 year, but the return of Mitch Lewis - who recently re-signed - and veteran Jack Gunston - who is also locked in for 2027 - has left the father-son youngster on the outer.
It is understood the Hawks have tabled a two-year deal to retain Dear, but there are five clubs looking to make the most of the opportunity, according to a report on The Agenda Setters.
Geelong
There is not a player in the AFL that isn't linked to Geelong.
The Cats' unorthodox forward mix has worked for years under Chris Scott, and even in the absence of Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron, Shannon Neale and Jay Polkinghorne have picked up the slack.
Add Dear to the mix, and Geelong would be spoilt for choice.
The mooted interest in the Hawk would have an eye on the now, and an eye on the future, beyond Cameron.
The star forward is 33 and has battled with injury this year. Surprisingly, he still leads the club goal-kicking with 39, which is set to be eclipsed by Neale in the coming weeks, as well as Oliver Henry (35).
Geelong will still have a forward line squeeze, albeit not to the extent of Hawthorn. So would Dear consider trading the brown and gold for the hated blue and white hoops?
