David Hale in demand as Hawthorn circles
HAWTHORN has thrown a spanner into the trade of David Hale, who was thought to have Melbourne and Gold Coast as suitors.
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HAWTHORN has thrown a spanner into the trade of David Hale, who was thought to have Melbourne and Gold Coast as his suitors.
The Hawks inquired about the North Melbourne's ruckman-forward on Tuesday.
While the size of Hale's contract is a concern - understood to be about $350,000 - they are willing to talk to him.
The Demons appear the likely new home for Hale, but the Hawks are keen to bolster their ruck division and shore up their forward line.
Hale has become one of the most sought-after big men in trade week after it emerged Lions ruckman Mitch Clark may stay in Brisbane.
Clark had requested a trade home to Western Australia to Fremantle, but his manager yesterday conceded that may prove too difficult.
Hale's manager Ricky Nixon said yesterday Hale was looking for a new opportunity after playing only 12 games this year. His career tally is 129.
"Ruckmen don't grow on trees and the big advantage is he can play at full-forward," Nixon said.
"Clubs will really trade for David because he can play up forward or he can just sit on the bench and be that substitute and play multiple positions".