Hawthorn player acquisition manager Mark Finnigan has played a crucial role in the club's attempt to lure North Melbourne defender Josh Goater to their environment.
The out-of-contract Kangaroos youngster stated his intention to join the Hawks after multiple injury-plagued seasons at Arden Street.
Finnigan drafted Goater at North Melbourne with Pick 22 in 2021 as the club's national recruiting manager.
The connection between the two, according to Hawthorn's footy boss Mark McKenzie, has helped.
"We've got Mark Finnigan, who works with us at this point in time, who was part of drafting him (at North Melbourne)," McKenzie said.
"So he knows the character as well. So we've looked at it from a backline perspective where we sit. We know it's a bit of an ageing backline. The boys won't like me saying that, but that's the reality of it, and we're always looking to make sure that in those lines, what's going to happen in the future.
"Now, Josh has had some interruptions from a modding perspective over the last few years, but we think that talent's there. If he comes in, he's got an opportunity to have a position here before club for a long time.
"But we're working with North Melbourne now. We were happy to see him nominate us last week, and we'll see what happens, I guess."
The Hawks' backline consists of James Sicily (32), Jarman Impey (31), Karl Amon (31), Tom Barrass (30), Blake Hardwick (29) and Josh Battle (28).
They've been adamant about holding Noah Mraz to his contract, despite the very real interest from Essendon.
Alongside Goater, the Hawks will look to welcome Ben King and Zach Merrett in the next fortnight.
King could join the club via free agency as he looks to depart Gold Coast, but the Suns have the option to match the bid and force a trade, which could complicate Hawthorn's move for Merrett.
"We're very much in that first phase, so we're going to have the phase of lodging that paperwork, which will be shortly," McKenzie said.
"And then really we work through the scenarios of what they do. So if they match, well, then it moves to a trade.
"Obviously, interest remains in regards to Zach from last year. Now we've had some ongoing conversations there, respectful ones, healthy ones, and that's where it is at this point in time. So very respectful. The ongoing conversations will continue."
McKenzie was adamant key forward Mabior Chol will remain at the club in 2027 despite a forward-line squeeze, while Hawthorn hasn't received any chat from rival sides regarding ruckman Ned Reeves.
