Hawthorn legend Shane Crawford says the Hawks may try to land another big fish this trade period, following a disappointing and unexpected dramatic slide so far this year.
The Hawks, as has become customary in recent years, were very busy in last year's trade period, completing three big signings.
Richmond's Ty Vickery, Sydney's Tom Mitchell and Gold Coast's Jaeger O'Meara all moved to Waverely Park, as the football world sat shocked at the departures of club stalwarts, Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis.
Many are predicting Hawthorn to again be active this year, with a number of older players likely to consider hanging up the boots, which will free up salary cap space.
Crawford believes Greater western Sydney midfielder, Lachie Whitfield, could be on the Hawks' hit list.
“I reckon Lachie Whitfield is one the club will be eyeing off,” Crawford told SEN Breakfast on Thursday morning.
“They’d like a running player and he used to barrack for the Hawks."
Crawford said the Hawks would not be forced to spend too much money on Whitfield, compared with some of the high profile players currently out of contract.
"It’d be nice to get him back and you’re probably paying half the price of someone like Josh Kelly," he said.
“Kelly is an enormous player but Whitfield is a very good player and we just haven’t seen the best of him this year.”
However, Whitfield is contracted until the end of 2018, which would make a deal difficult for Hawthorn. But it is not unheard of for players to move clubs while contracted.
Whitfield, who was suspended for six months for evading drug testers last year, has averaged 25 disposals since returning to the senior side.
The 22-year-old has played a total of 75 games for the Giants since being recruited with pick No.1 in the 2012 National Draft.
