Hawthorn are considering a number of players in next week's mid-season draft, but ambiguity remains over whether they will patch up their ruck availability or target a much-wanted midfielder.
Defender James Blanck from Box Hill and former Brisbane Lions tall Connor Ballenden, who is currently playing in the SANFL with Woodville-West Torrens, are both believed to be squarely in the frame, according to The Age.
Blanck is considered to be in contention for a list spot with the Hawks' first pick, given their ties to Box Hill, in what would be a similar move to the 2021 Mid-Season Draft in which they recruited Jai Newcombe from the same reserves club.
Blanck has been an incredible asset for Box Hill this season, and is likely to gain interest from multiple clubs as demand for key defenders continues to flare.
However, Hawthorn have kept the door open on providing an immediate fix to their big-man injury list.
Ballenden is a viable ruck recruit for the Hawks. Standing at 200cm, the 23-year-old is arguably the most developed and ready-made ruckman available in the Mid-Season Draft.
The Hawks have been missing their skipper and main ruckman Ben McEvoy for most of 2022 after suffering a serious neck injury earlier in the year.
Max Lynch has also been ruled out with concussion following another setback in the win over Brisbane on Sunday, while Ned Reeves is yet to prove his fitness for Hawthorn's clash with the Gold Coast Suns this weekend.
The Hawks are facing the daunting task of combating the Suns' Jarrod Witts without a recognised ruckman.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said he is open to all options, claiming the Hawks will consider using key forward Jacob Koschitzke and Conor Nash, or even midfielder Daniel Howe in the middle.
