Hawthorn forward Calsher Dear has signed a two-year contract extension at the Hawks, denying interest from Melbourne, Geelong and Collingwood.
Dear was considering his future away from the Hawks as the Dingley club prepares for a forward line squeeze with free agent Ben King joining the side.
The father-son gun was heavily courted by the Demons to a point where captain Max Gawn met with him to lure him away from the Hawks.
Dear's re-signing, according to AFL Media, is a huge coup for the club, who wanted to retain the 21-year-old.
He's played 31 games since he was drafted in 2023. He recently won the VFL premiership with the Box Hill Hawks.
“We're really pleased that Calsher has recommitted to Hawthorn; he remains an important part of what we are trying to achieve as a club," National Recruiting and List Manager Mark McKenzie said.
“Following his debut season, Calsher showed us all the special talent that he is, but as a key tall at 21 years of age, we've needed to be patient with his progression.
“Having battled several injuries over his first three seasons in the system, we are very excited about what the future holds for Calsher with a strong pre-season under his belt and greater continuity into 2027 and beyond.”
Following Dear's footsteps is fellow father-son Will McCabe, who penned a one-year extension.
McCabe was taken with Pick 19 in the 2023 draft, and debuted this year, playing four senior games.
"Having broken through for his debut and playing several games this year, Will showed us all what he's capable of at AFL level," McKenzie said.
“For a 197cm tall, Will is incredibly versatile - he covers the ground well, has strong hands and is composed in front of goal - as demonstrated by his match-winner against the Power this year.
“With a taste of AFL footy, there's no doubt he will be eager to put in a strong pre-season and continue elevating his game into 2027 and beyond.”
