Brokering a trade with West Coast for Barrass, who is contracted until 2027, and convincing Frost he remains part of Hawthorn’s plans are the biggest off-season tasks for Sam Mitchell’s side after a stunning return to September this year.
Hawthorn is working to re-sign unrestricted free agent wingman Harry Morrison, but Denver Grainger-Barras, the No. 6 pick in the 2020 draft, remains uncertain about his future during the upcoming trade period.
Grainger-Barras survived the initial round of delistings, unlike mid-season draftee ruckman Clay Tucker and ex-Cat Cooper Stephens. The latter joined Hawthorn as part of a three-club deal that saw Tom Mitchell go to Collingwood and Ollie Henry move to Geelong.
Hawthorn made an impressive rise from 16th to 6th place this year, winning a final. However, they continue to focus on strengthening their defense after narrowly missing out on Ben McKay and Esava Ratugolea last year.
Battle has already confirmed he will leave St Kilda to sign a six-year deal with Hawthorn, while Tom Barrass, who turns 29 next month, has requested a trade and nominated the Hawks. Barrass is expected to sign a four-year deal with a trigger for a fifth season.
The additions of Battle and Barrass, alongside captain James Sicily’s role and James Blanck’s return from an ACL injury, cast doubt on Sam Frost’s place in the team next year. Frost had been nearing a contract trigger for 2025 before a foot bone stress injury ended his season after Hawthorn’s elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs.
Frost could potentially replace Josh Battle at St Kilda if the latter moves to Moorabbin. However, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell dismissed the idea of Frost leaving, stating that the tall defender, known for his closing speed, is “one of my favourites.”
Mitchell and his coaching staff, including Brett Ratten and defensive coach Kade Simpson, conveyed to Frost during his exit meeting that his positional versatility would allow him to remain part of the team, even with the possible arrivals of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle. “There are a lot of positions on the field,” Mitchell said.
“I would have liked to experiment more with players like Sicily and Hardwick in different roles this year, but injuries severely limited our flexibility with the team.
“Josh Weddle will have opportunities to shift around the field in the future, whether that’s next year or in the coming seasons. We have some versatility in the squad that we haven’t fully explored yet. You could look at how [Geelong star] Tom Stewart has been utilized this year as an example.”
Hawthorn’s impressive turnaround from a 0-5 start to winning a final means they now hold the No. 13 pick in the upcoming draft, complicating any potential trade for Barrass. Despite speculation that West Coast could demand two first-round picks, no discussions between the clubs have taken place yet.
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