Hawthorn appears to be the likely home for Gold Coast sharpshooter Ben King this trade period, but after Mitch Lewis' performance on Sunday, should the Hawks park talks?
Lewis played like a man possessed at the MCG as he flexed his muscles properly for the first time since his barrage of injuries.
Albeit against an injury-depleted and young Richmond side, Lewis was dominant in the first half, booting 5.2 from his 11 disposals to go with five marks.
It was a glimpse back to what the league thought Lewis would become across the 2022-23 season when he was emerging as a key forward before a slew of injuries struck.
The Hawks have a wide range of key forwards at their disposal, with old star Jack Gunston leading the likes of Lewis, Calsher Dear, Mabior Chol, Will McCabe and recent draftee Aidan Schubert.
So why is Hawthorn still chasing King, who would command a much bigger salary and cost the club valuable draft picks?
King is a guaranteed goal kicker and has been consistent over the past three seasons, kicking tallies of 40 (2023), 55 (2024), 71 (25) and currently 47 this season with five rounds to go.
King has come under scrutiny as his lack of impact outside of set shots is a concern.
He averages 7.2 disposals, has had double-digit disposal games four times this season, with a high of 11, while he averages 0.5 tackles per game.
Hawthorn has offered Lewis a four-year contract, but it is below what the 27-year-old would want financially, with clubs such as Collingwood circling to sign him if he decides to depart Dingley.
If the Hawks bring back Lewis and their group of young key forwards, they could save money and draft capital without losing much, if anything, in performance.
For the Suns, it would allow the club to keep their star forward, King, for another couple of seasons should the Hawks potentially back out, causing him to re-sign.
