Hawthorn have announced duo Chad Wingard and Cooper Stephens have been delisted by the club and will be re-selected by the Hawks via the Rookie Draft later this month.
The duo were both contracted for next year, with the list manoeuvre opening up greater flexibility for the Hawks ahead of the National Draft on November 20-21.
Wingard recently re-signed with the Hawks on a one-year deal for 2024, with the club deciding to retain the former Port Adelaide star despite a season-ending Achilles injury that could keep him on the sidelines for the entirety of next season.
Stephens joined the Hawks just over 12 months ago from Geelogn in a three-club trade involving Collingwood, with the emerging midfielder unable to break into Sam Mitchell's side.
The Hawks confirmed the decision to delist the pair ahead of Thursday's list lodgement, with the November 22 Rookie Draft set to see both players re-listed.
"Hawthorn has committed to re-drafting Chad Wingard and Cooper Stephens in this month's AFL rookie draft after the pair was delisted on Thursday," a club statement read.
"Wingard has played 218 games across his 12-year career and is currently working through rehab on serious achillies injury sustained earlier this year.
"Stephens joined the Hawks through the 2022 trade period after spending three seasons with Geelong where he played seven games in his final year.
"The changes will allow the club to utilise all selections acquired prior and during the recent trade period leading into this month's AFL national draft."
The duo will join the likes of Adam Kennedy (GWS), Taylor Duryea (Western Bulldogs), Lachie McNeil (Western Bulldogs), Jake Melksham (Melbourne), Sam Reid (Sydney) and James Borlase in being cut from their respective club's list before being selected at the Rookie Draft.
Hawthorn currently hold Picks 4, 44, 47, 49, 62, 63 and 83 for this year's draft.
