An out-of-favour Collingwood forward could be on the way out, while talks have stalled with a star Bomber.
But Hawthorn’s footy boss has shut down speculation they could trade out some of their biggest names.
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Could Neale be suspended?
0:35
HAWKS TRADING OUT STARS IS ‘THE LAST THING’ THEY NEED
Hawthorn footy boss Graham Wright has shut down suggestions the club should trade out some of their biggest remaining stars to accelerate their rebuild.
Hawks premiership player Jordan Lewis has suggested his former side should give Jack Gunston and Luke Breust the option of finding new homes in the trade period.
Other veterans including 30-year-old Isaac Smith and even 27-year-old Chad Wingard, who joined the club just two seasons ago, have been floated as players who could bring in valuable draft picks.
But Wright told SEN’s Bob and Andy he wasn’t keen on simply trading away every talented veteran.
“If you’re talking about those sort of guys Breust, Gunston, Liam Shiels who have been outstanding players for us and have been really good players for us, at the moment we need every good player we can get,” Wright said.
“Obviously we’ve had some injuries over the last six or seven weeks but prior to that we hadn’t, and our year hasn’t been good enough.
‘Big calls’ on Hawks stars
2:03
“We’re pretty much on notice as a footy club that it has been unacceptable. We’ve all been in the hub environment, there’s a whole heap of excuses you could make around it, but in the end we haven’t been good enough and we need to be better and that’s in all areas of the footy club.
“The last thing we would want to do is take away two or three of our best players and feel like we can get value for them, that’s not what we are about.”
Hawks great Shane Crawford floated Wingard as a potential trade target on Sunday night.
“You don’t have much control because the club virtually takes control of your destiny a bit, especially if there’s going to be a better deal,” Crawford said on Nine’s Full Time.
“I think Chad Wingard, I’m not saying you want to trade him, but I reckon clubs would probably see him as the most important Hawthorn player because he’s a wonderful ball user, plays across half forward.
“His first six games this year was right up there with the very best. Then he’s had a big drop away, but he’s played a lot more through the middle.
“He’s played half forward, he’s a beautiful kick for goal. It wouldn’t surprise me if a lot of clubs come asking about Chad Wingard and whether or not they can get him on their list.”
OUT-OF-FAVOUR PIES FORWARD ‘IN THE SHOP WINDOW’
Collingwood forward Jaidyn Stephenson is reportedly “in the shop window” for rival clubs, as the 21-year-old continues to move in-and-out of the Pies’ best 22.
Stephenson burst onto the AFL scene in 2018, booting 38 goals from 26 matches and was on track to eclipse that number in 2019 before he was suspended for placing bets on his club.
SEN reporter Sam Edmund said Stephenson, who is contracted until 2021, is gettable if other club’s are keen.
“I think he’s gettable and in the shop window,” he said.
“Whether other clubs are willing to go for him remains to be seen, there’s been a few murmurs and rumouring about off-field behaviour and discipline and I think other clubs think he’s gettable.
“Whether they take the plunge or not is a whole other conversation.”
Stephenson is the second small-forward that appears on the outer at the Pies, with Brodie Mihocek reportedly receiving a “below-par” offer to stay at the club.
Young Crow one to watch
1:29
SAAD STALEMATE WITH ESSENDON HAS RIVAL CLUBS WATCHING
Essendon speedster Adam Saad’s contract talks are “not getting anywhere”, with rival clubs watching on with interest in the 26-year-old’s future.
Saad has been a rare positive for Essendon in a year filled with disappointment, which has left many with raised eyebrows over his contract status.
SEN reporter Sam Edmund said Saad’s contract talks are ongoing, but a stalemate appears to have been reached.
“I’ve made a few calls on Adam Saad, that’s a real strange one,” he said.
“It’s not like talks haven’t been taking place, they have been, but they’re just not getting anywhere (between) the two parties there.
“The longer it goes, the more chance he is of leaving.”
Essendon press conference
10:04
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