Hawthorn has set its sights on two of the game’s most exciting midfielders, Harley Reid and Zak Butters, as the club prepares for an aggressive approach to the upcoming trade period.
According to Nine’s Tom Morris, the Hawks are “all in” on both players, with interest intensifying despite their current contract statuses. Reid, still contracted with West Coast until the end of 2026, has already been linked with several Victorian clubs, and Hawthorn appears determined to be at the front of the queue.
MORE: Nathan Buckley addresses vacant Melbourne coaching job
Talks around a staggering $24 million, 10-year counter-offer from Reid’s management to the Eagles, initially a short-term deal followed by a lengthy extension, suggest major decisions are looming.
But the real wildcard may be Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters, who isn’t off-contract until the end of next season. Even so, that hasn’t deterred Hawthorn.
MORE: Simon Goodwin's possible coaching replacements after Melbourne sacking
Wanganeen-Milera move could unlock Butters trade
“The answer back on Zak Butters so far is no. It’s not stopping the Hawks having a crack. They’re going to keep having a go,” Morris said on Footy Classified.
“In the understanding that, if Wanganeen-Milera gets to Port, maybe there might be half a chance for Butters to go.”
It’s a high-stakes move from Hawthorn, targeting not just one, but two elite young midfielders, and signals a bold step forward for the club’s rebuild.