Hawthorn have thrown their hat into the ring in an attempt to prise premiership defender Tom Barrass out of West Coast.
The 28-year-old has three years to run on his deal with the Eagles but rivals still believe he could be lured east at season’s end.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Hawthorn throw hat in the ring for Tom Barrass.
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Barrass has publicly shot down speculation of a move, while the Eagles will hold the whip hand on any potential decision given he is contracted.
The Western Bulldogs are seen as the frontrunners should Barrass explore a move, with the Hawks recently adding their name to the list of contenders.
Collingwood have also expressed a level of interest the West Australian.
Hawthorn are widely seen as one of the clubs with the most amount of salary cap space to splash in the 2024 off-season.
And coach Sam Mitchell has a relationship with Barrass, after spending time at West Coast and being an assistant coach during their 2018 premiership year.
The Hawks are also heavily pursuing St Kilda unrestricted free agent Josh Battle, and they have strong interest in Bulldog Bailey Smith and have met with GWS defender Harry Perryman.
Hawthorn spearhead Mitch Lewis’ ACL reconstruction has further enhanced the need for the Hawks to chase key position talent.
Should the Hawks land Battle or Barrass to their backline, it would allow captain James Sicily to be used between defence and attack.
Two weeks ago Sicily was the match-winner for the Hawks when he was moved forward — and slotted three crucial goals — in the narrow victory over Fremantle.
Barrass last year explored a move to Sydney before opting to stay loyal to the club that drafted him at the end of 2013.
He is a much-loved club champion at West Coast and won their best-and-fairest award in 2022.
The Hawks chased key defender Ben McKay last year as a restricted free agent before he opted to move to Essendon.