AFL trade news: How Hawthorn could snare Josh Battle and Tom Barrass from West Coast and St Kilda in trade coup

Sam Mitchell’s move to West Coast stunned the trade period in 2016. Almost a decade on, Hawthorn could be poised to reap an unexpected reward because of it.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 27: Tom Barrass of the Eagles looks on after the loss during the 2024 AFL Round 20 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Hawthorn has moved into the box seat ahead of Western Bulldogs in the race for gun West Coast defender Tom Barrass.

The Herald Sun understands Hawthorn is his preferred new club if the Hawks can secure a deal involving the club’s first-round pick in exchange to West Coast for the star stopper.

While West Coast is yet to commit to any deal and could still hold firm on Barrass, the need to bolster their draft position and accelerate the rebuild with another prime pick could sway the club to go ahead.

Hawthorn’s first draft choice would give the Eagles two selections (including No. 3) inside 10 plus a potential later selection if they ask for a sweetener in the Barrass deal.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 27: Tom Barrass of the Eagles looks on after the loss during the 2024 AFL Round 20 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

But he may not be the only major defensive acquisition as the Hawks can accommodate a major play for Barrass, 28, and St Kilda defender Josh Battle, 25, in the club’s salary cap.

The Saints are adamant they want to keep Battle, who told the Herald Sun last month he has a close relationship with coach Ross Lyon.

But the Hawks are in a strong position to land at least one star defender and possibly both to bolster the back half next year as part of an attempted push deep into the top eight.

Landing Barrass and Battle would give the Hawks the flexibility to swing superstar captain James Sicily forward in games considering his aerial power.

The Hawks loom as an exciting destination club after a scintillating past two months winning eight of their last nine games to surge into ninth position.

Hawthorn is interested in securing Saint Josh Battle. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

The Hawks appear to come out of last year’s trade period big winners after securing Jack Ginnivan from Collingwood, Mabior Chol from Gold Coast and ex-Bomber Massimo D’Ambrosio.

And Barrass’ close links to Sam Mitchell as a former teammate at West Coast in 2017 and assistant coach in the club’s 2018 premiership campaign are a key factor.

Barrass is strongly considering a move to Victoria and met with Mitchell in Perth at the weekend to discuss a move to the brown and gold.

The Eagles have been criticised for not making big calls on veterans to secure early draft picks after falling out of finals contention in recent years.

The Bulldogs were also keen on Barrass, however the club would continue to persist with Rory Lobb in a key defensive position for next season without the Eagle.

The Saints are keen to keep Battle but could yet land another top-six pick if he leaves under free agency rules if his new salary at Hawthorn triggers first-round draft compensation.

Club officials are permitted to meet with players from rival teams as long as no agreements are made or signed until the end of the season.

Originally published as AFL trade news: How Hawthorn could snare Josh Battle and Tom Barrass from West Coast and St Kilda in trade coup