Hawthorn star Will Day has commented on the potential of playing alongside Zach Merrett in 2027.
A year after attempting to join the Hawks in the trade period, Merrett appears all but certain to again request to move.
"I think every club gets to this time of year, and you want to get as many A-Graders as you can into your club, and we've had some great success over the last few years bringing in talent, and Zach would be no different," Day said.
"At the moment, I haven't been able to fully think about it while we're heading into finals, but any name like that you want at your club."
It comes after teammate Mitch Lewis indicated that discussions about Ben King's likely arrival did not feature in discussions about his contract extension.
The key forward recently recommitted to the club until 2030 off the back of a season where he has finally found continuity with his body.
"We didn't speak about Ben King or anyone in particular in terms of my role," Lewis said.
"The conversations I had with list management were that I was a wanted player and they saw a key role in the forward line and in the side. That was enough for me, and as many good players as we can get into the side is encouraging."
Lewis admitted he sympathised with players whose futures are discussed heavily in the media as it is hard to compartmentalise.
"It does affect you," Lewis said.
"I feel sorry for guys who carry that throughout a whole season, constantly under speculation in the media and having to answer questions because it does take its toll, and for me it was unwavering in the sense I wanted to stay but even so, it took its toll so I was glad it finally got done because I had a lot of time to think about other things."
