Hawthorn has officially lodged the paperwork required to sign Gold Coast restricted free agent Ben King.
The Suns now have three days to match the deal offered by the Hawks to King, which would force a trade between the two clubs. Or Gold Coast can accept a compensation pick (Pick 7).
AFL Media is reporting that the paperwork was lodged with the league on Tuesday afternoon. It is the second bit of major business the Hawks have looked to finalise across the first two days of the trade period.
Hawthorn secured a trade for former Essendon skipper Zach Merrett on Monday for Pick 15, Pick 25 and a 2028 second round pick.
While the Suns are likely to accept Pick 7 as compensation, Gold Coast is busy working in the background in an attempt to secure a trade for young Hawthorn tall Aidan Schubert.
Whether Schubert is involved in the King deal is not yet known.
Schubert, an 18-year-old key forward, was initially hesitant to move to the Suns. But in light of recent events with Hawthorn signing key forwards King, Mitch Lewis and Calsher Dear and also having Jack Gunston and Mabior Chol in the forward line, a change of scenery for more opportunities seems to be enticing Schubert.
The 195cm key forward has impressed in his first season at Hawthorn after being taken with Pick 23 in the 2025 National Draft.
