Hawthorn veterans Paul Puopolo and Grant Birchall remain in contract limbo as club weighs up their futures
They were front and centre for Hawthorn’s golden era. But as the club looks to inject some young blood into its list, what does the future hold for Paul Puopolo and Grant Birchall?
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Hawthorn veterans Paul Puopolo and Grant Birchall are in limbo as the club weighs up tough calls on their futures.
The premiership pair are eager to continue playing but are waiting on a final call from the club’s list management committee.
Ruckman Jon Ceglar is certain to remain at the club for the next three years after agreeing to a new deal to stay at Waverley.
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Ceglar, 28, was being chased by numerous clubs including Brisbane but will continue to play a key role at Hawthorn helping combine with front-line ruckman Ben McEvoy.
Puopolo and Birchall’s futures will hinge on overall assessments of the Hawks’ position next season and whether they can jump up the ladder into top-four contention.
Hawthorn is expected to retain its first pick (No. 10) in this year’s draft as part of plans to replenish their list with more youth.
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GWS Giants’ key forward Jon Patton will also land at the club in exchange for a late draft pick after three knee reconstructions.
Birchall, 31, was headed for a new one-year deal until a late-season hamstring injury dented the defender’s hopes of playing on in 2020.
He has had a nightmare injury run over the past three seasons but was hopeful of finishing the season strong after a stint in the VFL.
Puopolo, also 31, kept his spot in the senior side this season, snagging 10 goals from 22 games.
While it was one of his leanest returns since he started at the Hawks, Alastair Clarkson said his forward line pressure was still a valued commodity.
Hawthorn football manager Graham Wright said the club was thrilled to keep Ceglar as rivals circled for his signature.
“Ruckmen are a precious commodity in our game, so we’re really pleased to have Cegs recommit to the club for a further three seasons,” Wright said.
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“He’s a valuable player for us who adds a wealth of versatility to our line-up.
“He’s also a member of our emerging leaders group and sets a great example for his teammates both on and off the field.
“Cegs finished off the season in really strong form, and we’re hopeful he can continue this momentum into 2020 and beyond.”
Originally published as Hawthorn veterans Paul Puopolo and Grant Birchall remain in contract limbo as club weighs up their futures
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