Hawthorn set to reignite triple tower forwardline by adding Jon Patton to Mitch Lewis and Jack Gunston

Hawthorn’s dynasty was built on the back of three tall forwards and the club again wants to form an imposing triple towers attack, with the acquisition of GWS tall Jon Patton, as it remains bullish on the future of Isaac Smith.

Hawthorn wants to return to the days where it won premierships playing three tall forwards as it closes in on a trade for former GWS No.1 pick Jon Patton.

Hawks football boss Graham Wright has shut down all talk on leadership group member Isaac Smith, saying he was contracted and wouldn’t be moving on.

They could still offer four-time premiership player Grant Birchall a contract but are open to the free agent exploring his options at Brisbane.

The hulking Jonathon Patton would replace Jarryd Roughead in the Hawks’ forwardline and play alongside Mitchell Lewis and Jack Gunston. Picture: Getty Images

Brisbane is yet to commit to Birchall as it considers whether it needs another Luke Hodge-type in its young half backline.

But while Birchall and pressure forward Paul Puopolo are in limbo, Patton will arrive from the Giants for a late pick.

The Hawks already have emerging tall forward Mitch Lewis playing in a similar position, with All Australian Jack Gunston entering the peak of his career despite a quieter 2019 season.

But Wright believes there is plenty of room in the Hawks’ forward line for premiership hero Gunston, youngster Lewis and Patton, who is coming off three knee reconstructions.

“In the past we have had three key forwards, or three tall forwards playing,” Wright said.

“Back when we had Rough (Jarryd Roughead), (David) Hale and (Lance) Franklin as well.

“I think that’s what Clarko would like to do.

“Obviously Jon is coming back from a knee reco, but he trained at the back end of the year.

“We think he will be up and going early.”

Jack Gunston is entering the prime of his career. Picture: Michael Klein

Young gun Mitchell Lewis will get the forwardline help he needs while he develops. Picture: Michael Klein

The Hawks have picks No.11 and 30 and will clearly assess the available talent in the coming eight days, happy to trade those picks if a star becomes available.

But if they go to the draft they believe with full seasons from Chad Wingard and Tom Mitchell they can bounce back and return to finals.

“We feel as though we are good enough to compete, Wright said.

“We finished ninth this year, which wasn’t good enough.

“We need to get better. We’re hopeful we get real improvement out of some of our younger players and we have full pre-seasons in guys like Tom Mitchell coming back, but also to Chad Wingard.”

The Hawks’ say Isaac Smith is a required player next season. Picture: Michael Klein

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Wright said every club spoke with rival players mid-year, despite Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro voicing his displeasure with Sydney boss Tom Harley’s overtures to Joe Daniher.

“Every club does it,” he said.

“I think we’re being immature and silly if we don’t think it happens, because it does.

“You prefer it not to happen and we don’t really want to hear about it.

“You guys (media) want to talk about it all the time.

“We understand there’s huge interest in it.

“If we think it doesn’t happen, I think we’re kidding ourselves.”

No decision has been made on Grant Birchall — yet. Picture: AAP