Gun for hire? Hawk Gunston mulls move to Lions

Hawthorn premiership star Jack Gunston says he is weighing up a move to the Brisbane Lions, declaring the future of coach Chris Fagan won’t influence his decision.

Gunston, a triple premiership player, has a long history with Fagan, who was the Hawks’ football manager during the club’s glorious run from 2013-15.

Jack Gunston is contemplating a trade to the Brisbane Lions.Credit: Get Images

However, Fagan and former Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson find themselves at the centre of an independent investigation, having had claims of alleged racism made against them by former Indigenous Hawthorn players and their families. Fagan and Clarkson have denied the claims.

Gunston, who this year returned from back surgery and booted 32 goals in 16 games, said he was debating a move north, where former teammates Luke Hodge and Grant Birchall also finished their careers, and former Hawthorn assistant coach Cam Bruce also now works.

Speaking at the TAB spring carnival launch on Tuesday, Gunston said he hoped to make a call “in the coming days or early next week”.

“It’s just that change of lifestyle that does appeal. We’ll see what we end up on. Obviously, Hodgey and Birch have done it before. I have had a lot chats with those guys,” Gunston said.

Gunston is an unrestricted free agent and would not cost the Lions a draft pick.

He said Fagan’s uncertain future was not an issue.

“Hopefully, he still is the coach of the Brisbane Lions but the sole purpose of me if I choose to go there isn’t resting on Fages being the coach or not,” Gunston said.

Western Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley has already requested a trade to the Lions, with the Bulldogs likely to ask for two first-round picks in return. The Lions holds picks 15, 33, 44 and 69, and could trade their 2022 and 2023 first-round selections if needed.

Dunkley said on Tuesday that Fagan’s future had not prompted him to “second-guess”.

The Lions are preparing for a busy trade and free-agency period, for they also need to stockpile draft points to match any bids for father-son Will Ashcroft. Ashcroft, expected to be called at No.1 in the national draft, is heading to the club as a father-son selection.

Former recruiter Matt Rendell said the Lions may have to lose young midfielders Deven Robertson and Rhys Mathieson, while Nakia Cockatoo could also be on the move.

“I did hear that [Robertson moving], but I don’t want to lose Devon Robertson [if I’m Brisbane], he’s a good player, I like him,” Rendell said on SEN.

“Mathieson, I don’t think you’ll get much for him, you might get a third-round. Cockatoo has probably got to go as well, they’re topping up their midfield.”

The Hawks are in the box seat to land Fremantle’s back-up ruckman Lloyd Meek who wants to shift to the Hawks for more opportunities after Melbourne ruckman Luke Jackson decided he wanted to join the Dockers in 2023.

Meek has played 15 games for the Dockers after being taken with pick No.69 in 2017 but the 24-year-old from Ballarat has struggled for opportunities behind Sean Darcy.

Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow won the club’s VFL best and fairest and has a year remaining on his contract. However, he may still be open to a trade if a suitable club can be found.

Dow played just four games this season to bring his career tally to 63. The talented pick No.3 from the 2017 national draft is likely to attract some interest following his VFL form.

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