Sydney wants high draft picks in exchange for Tom Mitchell who has requested a trade to Hawthorn

THE Sydney Swans will be looking for high draft picks rather than players for Tom Mitchell, who confirmed on Monday he wants to join Hawthorn.

Tom Mitchell will play for Hawthorn next year. Picture: Brett Costello

THE Sydney Swans will be looking for high draft picks rather than players for Tom Mitchell, who confirmed on Monday he wants to join Hawthorn.

Mitchell’s future has looked shaky for several months after his management and the Swans put contract talks on hold until the end of the year.

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With salary cap pressure brought about by big signings Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett, Sydney couldn’t match the Hawks’ substantial four-year offer. Swans football manager Tom Harley said they were in no hurry to get a deal done.

“It’s very early,” Harley said.

“We will meet with our list management team tomorrow (Tuesday) and go from there. The Hawks have plenty on their plate as well, they have done the (Ty) Vickery deal today and are looking to do the (Jaeger) O’Meara deal as well.”

Tom Mitchell has requested a trade to Hawthorn. Picture: Brett Costello

The Suns have indicated they are looking for players rather than draft picks which could suit the Swans’ desire for high selections. Hawthorn currently hold picks 14, 34, 52, 70 and 88.

Mitchell, 23, has played 65 games in his four seasons at the SCG.

After battling injury in his first two years he had an outstanding 2015 and followed it up with an even better 2016 playing in all 26 games.

He was one of the Swans’ best in their losing grand final to the Western Bulldogs picking up 26 disposals, kicking two goals and making 13 tackles.

He finished eighth in Sydney’s best and fairest held last Thursday.

Mitchell’s signing puts the Hawks on target to complete a three-player raid on opposition teams after landing Richmond’s Vickery early in the opening day of the trade period.

In other significant moves Carlton’s Bryce Gibbs wants to return to his home state of South Australia to play with Adelaide.

Richmond’s Brett Deledio nominated Geelong as his preferred club but the Tigers said they’re not interested in Steven Motlop.

North Melbourne veteran Daniel Wells is set to join Collingwood on a three year deal as a free agent.

Daniel Wells has played his last game for North Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

Fremantle’s Chris Mayne is also off to the Magpies on a long-term contract. The Dockers have their eye on out of contract Bulldogs premiership defender Joel Hamling who did a great job on Lance Franklin in the grand final.

The WA club are also looking to sign Cam McCarthy (GWS), Bradley Hill (Hawthorn) and Shane Kersten (Geelong).

Irishman Zac Tuohy is another Blue who wants out of Princes Park and has requested a trade to Geelong.

Originally published as Sydney wants high draft picks in exchange for Tom Mitchell who has requested a trade to Hawthorn