Could Melbourne star Christian Petracca be on the move?
Petracca's midfield time is dwindling as the Demons enter a new era, allowing Kysaiah Pickett and Caleb Windsor to gain more opportunities through the centre of the ground.
The 2021 Norm Smith medallist's midfield time was a mere 21 per cent against West Coast over the weekend, his second-lowest return since the beginning of the premiership year.
But could this be "the writing on the wall?" Or is Petracca set for a new role, playing predominantly as a forward? And could this see Hawthorn come after him?
"A month ago, Petracca had 27 centre bounce attendances in the Melbourne midfield. But clearly, we are seeing a new way under Simon Goodwin. Over the past month, those (midfield) numbers have really reduced," Chief Herald Sun reporter Jay Clark said on Fox Footy's The First Crack.
"It doesn't feel like there's a (trade) market for Clayton Oliver at the moment, and Jack Viney is a Demon for life. Petracca is the one who has been frozen out.
"So, hasn't he got a big decision to make over the next couple of weeks before the end of the season? Can he accept he could be more of a permanent forward at Melbourne as the new era settles in? Like Toby Greene. Or does he, at 29 years of age, still think he can be that superstar on-baller?
"Because if he does, maybe that has to be at another club. We talked a lot about Collingwood and Carlton last year. Is the best fit for him Hawthorn?
"They have all the key forwards. But we see Will Day go down with the foot injury, which is an absolute disaster. Jai Newcombe has had a so-so year. What is it they need to complement and round out this side to make Hawthorn a genuine premiership contender? Is it a powerful midfielder?"
The Hawks have a bevy of key forwards, a position the Demons have struggled to fill in the past few years.
Max Ramsden has been dropped to the VFL following the return of Mitch Lewis, while Sam Mitchell unleashed the four-headed beast against Adelaide, playing all of Lewis, Mabior Chol, Calsher Dear and Jack Gunston.
The quartet have all played pivotal roles for Hawthorn in the past two years, but could face a squeeze, while Ramsden has proven himself at the elite level.
Adding to the Petracca prospect is the fact that Harley Reid was on the Victorian club's radar, but looks poised to extend his time at the Eagles for the long term.
Will Day's persistent foot injury and James Worpel's interest from rival clubs further push the notion for Hawthorn to bolster their midfield stocks.
As for the Demons, it could grant them a litany of top-end draft picks to continue adding emerging young talent to their list after securing six first-round selections since their premiership win four years ago.
