AFL 2019: Hawks could trade premiership forward in order to land Stephen Coniglio
A three-time premiership player could be put on the trade table if Hawthorn is serious about securing GWS star midfielder Stephen Coniglio.
And according to club great Ben Dixon, two forwards — Luke Breust and Jack Gunston — have the requisite currency at the trade table, given their age and the Giant’s premiership window.
Coniglio has been linked with a potential move to Victoria, with Hawthorn a front runner to secure the 25-year-old’s services.
Live stream the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on KAYO SPORTS. Every match of every round. Live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial >
But in order to land the restricted free agent, Dixon suggested Hawthorn would have to be prepared to offer up some serious currency.
It wouldn’t be the first time coach Alastair Clarkson had made such a ruthless call, with the likes of Sam Mitchell (West Coast) and Jordan Lewis (Melbourne) finishing their careers at other clubs, while Luke Hodge has spent the last two seasons at Brisbane.
“You look at a (Luke) Breust, he’s got some serious value in the market,” Dixon told SEN.
“I’m not saying he’s not in the form he should be … but you’ve got to find something, the draft picks aren’t there.
“If you want Coniglio you’ve got to give up something, so (Jack) Gunston might come into the conversation.
LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE FOX FOOTY PODCAST BELOW, OR TAP HERE TO SUBSCRIBE IN ITUNES OR SPOTIFY
ON YOUR PHONE? TAP HERE TO LISTEN
“The Hawthorn supporters will come for me but that’s the reality.
“The Giants will be in the (premiership) window, so they’re looking for the established player that can fill those voids.”
MORE AFL NEWS
POWER RANKINGS: The flag contender without a finals weakness
MAKE UP FOR LIST BLUNDERS: Eight AFL veterans Suns must chase
AFL TRADE WHISPERS: Magpie ‘miffed’ by offer, Sun on horizon
The Giants have consistently stated their belief Coniglio, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Round 17, will recommit to the club.
But with each week the touted captain-in-waiting puts off contract talks, the more likely it becomes that he’ll join another club.
Coniglio’s reluctance to re-sign with GWS has had a massive ripple effect, with Brett Deledio — among other veterans — yet to see a new contract.
“I think everyone is waiting on what Stevie Coniglio does right across the league, not just the Giants,” Deledio told The Daily Telegraph.
“Every day, mate, I’m in his ear! I said, ‘I’ve got a family to look after mate, it’s not just about you and putting fuel in your car! I’ve got other responsibilities, so any danger would be nice!’
“He’s well within his rights to do his due diligence and wait until he really needs to.”
Coniglio could follow in the footsteps of former teammate Tom Scully, who moved to the Hawks during last year’s trade period. The likes of Dylan Shiel (Essendon), Adam Treloar (Collingwood) and Taylor Adams (Collingwood) have also joined big Victorian clubs.
Gunston (27) is contracted until the end of 2022, while Breust (28) — who hails from Temora — will become a restricted free agent a the end of 2021.