Hawthorn Hawks

Five trade targets for every AFL club: Hawthorn Hawks

A Brisbane forward, a Giants ace and a fringe Cat make up the names potentially on Hawthorn’s wish list.

Published by

Josh De Sa

Prior to the 2023 season, comments were made regarding the possible 'tanking' of the Hawthorn Football Club. Despite those rumours and notions still coming to the surface, the club has far exceeded expectations.

Not necessarily in ladder position, however, but in the way that they are losing is quite gallant and shows signs of genuine improvement.

They are most definitely a long-term project, but under head coach Sam Mitchell, the future looks bright for this young Hawks side.

Could a few key signings ramp up the speed at which they improve? These are five names they could consider this off-season.

Kai Lohmann

Livewire Brisbane forward Kai Lohmann could be a handy asset to the Hawthorn attack. In a forward line that heavily relies on youngster Mitch Lewis and an ageing, albeit classy Luke Breust, Lohmann could take some of the pressure off, while adding some of his own.

The Lions' forward line is just about complete, led by Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher. At 185cm tall, Lohmann doesn't fit the mould of what the Lions need, however, would slot in perfectly at the Hawks. After only playing seven games in his short career so far (five of them this season), Lohmann could see much more game time as a Hawk.

Despite his statistics on paper not showing anything too special - perhaps due to his duties as a sub on multiple occasions - the forward has looked lively in his limited time with the Lions.

His speed and overhead marking ability are impressive and could provide a different dimension to the Hawks' forward line. As Chad Wingard is coming towards to end of his career, Lohmann could take that half-forward role and bring his speed to the side.

Additionally, his friendship with Hawk Sam Butler could be a selling point for the 20-year-old.

Jake Riccardi

The Giant forward has shown his talent recently in season 2023. The 198cm tall attacker has played 14 games this season and has shown that he can potentially grow into a key forward. Averaging 1.5 goals a game in 2023 along with 10 touches, the Giant would create another target for the Hawks midfield to hit.

With the reliance on young tall Mitch Lewis, Riccardi could be a second man in the forward line to create a 'twin tower' dynamic. These dynamics are present across the entire competition e.g. Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins, Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood. These forward lines can work brilliantly when done right, it's just a matter of if Riccardi could be that second target.

Currently paired up with Jesse Hogan, Riccardi has proven that he can be a forward threat despite the brunt of the goalscoring for GWS coming from skipper Toby Greene. Riccardi is currently unsigned with talks on a deal on hold, however, would need to be acquired in a trade as he is not a free agent.

The Hawks have been previously linked to the former Werribee forward already this year.

Esava Ratugolea

With Tom De Koning officially off the market, Esava Ratugolea may be the hottest trade target going around in 2023. The key defender has been solid for the Cats and would be a handy addition to the Hawthorn defence.

The Hawks rely on skipper James Sicily heavily. Despite his talent and best efforts, Sicily simply cannot do everything on his own. Ratugolea would effectively adjust that, alleviating pressure and keeping cool under pressure. The 197cm defender has been a defensive wall for the Cats, holding his own whilst the Geelong backline was injured early in the season.

Ratugolea initially started as a forward for the Cats. His versatility would be a useful asset to the Hawthorn side as they continue to rebuild. He would be one of the building blocks for the future of the club rather than a role player like he is at Geelong.

If Ratugolea wants that extra responsibility and more of a leadership role, Hawthorn could be his future home.

Mitch Georgiades

Power key forward Mitch Georgiades has been unlucky in 2023. As Port continues to improve, it's was made known Georgiades wasn't a piece of Hinkley's plan at senior level prior to his season-ending setback.

With Todd Marshall and Charlie Dixon looking like the two tall forwards for the Power's future, Georgiades moving would bolster his career. With the potential to be a genuine key forward threat, pairing up with Mitch Lewis in the Hawks forward line would be exciting.

Georgiades has only played two games in all of 2023 due to his ACL injury as well as form, and a total of 49 for his career. The 21-year-old averages just over a goal a game for his career but hasn't really had the opportunity to completely shine.

Hawthorn could be that opportunity.

With a great overhead mark and a decent kick at goal, Georgiades could grow into a threat under Sam Mitchell's tutelage. Forward coach for Hawthorn Chris Newman would have some work to do, however he has the talent to greatly improve.

Given the opportunity to get consistent game time in a team that would utilise his skills could greatly improve the clubs' future success as well as Georgiades'.

Sam Flanders

The Gold Coast midfielder has been rejuvenated after the departure of Stuart Dew, getting more midfield minutes and playing at a consistent level. The 22-year-old is capable of playing a midfield and forward role as he's shown in his stint with the Suns. With the possibility of Chad Wingard's departure, Flanders could be a viable replacement. At such a young age, he could develop into a genuine star along with youngsters Jai Newcombe and Will Day in midfield.

Flanders is averaging just over 22 touches in 2023, playing 10 games so far this season. The midfielder has worked well alongside bulls Touk Miller and Matt Rowell at the Suns, proving that he can compete with the best. His ability on the ball is a highlight going at just over 72% disposal efficiency.

Being a Victorian, a move to a big club such as Hawthorn would be a great opportunity for Flanders. With both Gold Coast and Hawthorn developing, being in a team from his home state could be a selling point.

If the Hawks can get the pieces they need and develop their talent over the off-season, an argument can be made that they will reach glory before the Suns ever do.

Published by

Josh De Sa

10 months ago