The Western Bulldogs have identified Hawthorn high-flyer, Tim O'Brien, as possible cover with defender Lewis Young reportedly requesting a trade to Carlton.
O'Brien is a free agent and would be a like-for-like replacement for Young who played as a defender, forward and backup ruck throughout his nine games in 2021.
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AFL.com.au journalist Callum Twomey is reporting that O'Brien is now a target of the Bulldogs who have offered Young a contract.
O'Brien has also generated interest from Port Adelaide and could walk to either club with the Hawks being able to do nothing about it. Hawthorn would be compensated for his loss which would strengthen their draft hand somewhat.
The Hawks are keen to bolster their position in the 2021 National Draft and have made moves to begin to push their way into a healthy position on draft night.
SEN's Sam Edmund has reported that the Hawks have asked ruckman Jonathon Ceglar to explore his options elsewhere despite still being under contract.
The Hawks hold picks 5, 21, 24, 56 and 62, with any trade for Ceglar almost certainly going to be for the return of draft capital.
St Kilda, Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs are all reportedly keeping an eye out for potential ruckman to bring in the club this off-season.
