AFL Trades 2023: Melbourne inquired about champion Cat Tom Hawkins' future

Tom Hawkins is yet to sign on for an 18th season at Geelong – and Melbourne was prepared to make a Hail Mary shot at the champion forward.

Tom Hawkins of the Cats.

Melbourne made an 11th hour bid to prise champion spearhead Tom Hawkins out of Geelong.

But the Herald Sun understands there is no threat of Hawkins leaving the Cattery after 17 seasons, with the final details of his contract to stay at Geelong being thrashed out.

The Cats remain supremely confident Hawkins, 35, will line up in blue and white next season with the superstar goalkicker only eight games short of Joel Selwood’s (355) games record.

The Demons inquired about Hawkins’ intentions for next season after former teammate Josh Jenkins on Monday said Hawkins was “a little irritated” a deal had taken so long to complete.

Melbourne made the last-minute phone call about Hawkins’ future after Jenkins said the club and player were “ways apart” on a new deal for next season.

The man who has slotted 781 goals for the Cats would be an ideal addition for the Demons next year as Melbourne look to bank on youngster Jacob Van Rooyen and Harry Petty forward.

There were strong calls for Melbourne to go after another key forward after being caught short in attack this year when Petty went down injured.

Superstar ballwinner Christian Petracca played forward to help bolster the club’s goal kicking power.

Melbourne is in the process of trading ruckman Brodie Grundy to Sydney Swans with the Demons keen to land an early pick in the second round for Grundy.

The Demons will also sign back-up Brisbane ruckman Tom Fullerton to support Max Gawn.

Originally published as AFL Trades 2023: Melbourne inquired about champion Cat Tom Hawkins' future