Overlooked Tasmanian draft talent Brandon Leary has reportedly been invited to train with Hawthorn in a bid to secure an AFL list spot for 2023.
Leary was among the headlining draft prospects that didn't see their name called in last month's National or Rookie Drafts, with the 19-year-old's hopes of an AFL chance shot down again after missing out on last year's intake.
The highly-rated small forward booted 33 goals in the NAB League this year for the Tasmania Devils, the third most in the competition behind top 3 draft picks Harry Sheezel (36) and Aaron Cadman (34).
Leary also averaged 2.5 goals per game from his two appearances in the National Championships with the Allies in 2022, staking his claim as one of the best small forward options on offer.
However, after being overlooked last year, Leary was again kept on the outer.
The North Launceston product is now said to be a step closer to earning an AFL contract, with 7 News Melbourne's Mitch Cleary reporting that Leary will train with the Hawks over the course of the pre-season.
Hawthorn currently have just the single list spot vacant through the Supplemental Selection Period, which will run until February 15.
As revealed by Zero Hanger earlier this month, the club will also have ex-AFL talent and Box Hill-listed players Patrick Naish, Callum Brown and Callum Porter training under Sam Mitchell during the summer.
Promising VFL defender Liam Coghlan will also train with the Hawks, however attention is sure to be heavily placed on Leary, who is an external option for Hawthorn to consider with their final list spot.
The Hawks have flourished with recruiting from within their own four walls over the course of the past 18 months, with Jai Newcombe, James Blanck and Fergus Greene all joining their AFL program following impressive stints with Box Hill.
Like Newcombe and Blanck, Leary could have an instant impact on the Hawks' senior side should he be given the opportunity.
The Hawks are one of nine AFL clubs with open list spots for 2023, with several clubs having confirmed train and trial players ahead of the new year.
