Hawthorn list boss Mark McKenzie gave an update on contract discussions with Calsher Dear.
The young key forward has received strong interest from rival clubs, with Melbourne his most likely destination if he seeks a route out of Dingley.
"We've been having ongoing, positive conversations with Calsher and his management this week and we've had an offer on the table," McKenzie said on AFL Trade Radio.
"That's a continuous chat we have. I think in these cases it doesn't surprise us clubs have an interest in him as a young key-position player, and at the same time he wants to play more senior football. We see him as a great long-term key-position player for our footy club...he showed what he could do at AFL level in that first year.
"He's had some interruptions injury-wise in the last couple of years, but we're excited to see him do a full pre-season, which he'll do this year.
"(We're) very much in contact with his management. You would have thought in the short term in regards to a decision being made, and we're just keen to hopefully make sure it's us."
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McKenzie was also asked about Zach Merrett as the club looks to add to its midfield mix, but he gave little away.
"We've clearly still got interest in Zach. He's a very good player, and we've had initial discussions as we do with most clubs. The thing is, from us, we've got that interest in Zach, but we respect he's a contracted player."
He also confirmed Western Bulldogs had shown preliminary interest in Finn Maginness.
