Max Lynch is set to don the brown and gold in 2022 after Hawthorn secured a deal with Collingwood on the second last day of this year’s trade period.

The trade will see the Hawks send their future third round pick and Brisbane’s future third round selection (received from the Ceglar trade) to the Pies in exchange for the 200cm ruckman, Fremantle’s future third and Gold Coast’s future fourth round selections.

Lynch has played three senior games over the past two seasons after being drafted by Collingwood with Pick 51 in the 2017 rookie draft.

Despite limited opportunities at AFL level to this point, the 23-year-old made a strong impression against Max Gawn and the Demons in Round 13 this year when he recorded 15 disposals, three marks and 23 hit-outs.

Ceglar departs the Hawks, headed to the Cats

Hawthorn Head of Football Rob McCartney described Lynch as an “exciting prospect” that the club was rapt to bring on board.   

“We were really excited when Max made his intentions clear that he wanted to become a Hawk in this trade period,” McCartney said.

“We see some real promise and potential in his game.

“At his age, he fits the demographic of our list profile really strongly so we hope the timing of his development will align with the club’s trajectory towards once again challenging for success.

“He has obviously had the challenge of being behind Brodie Grundy as the Pies’ first-choice ruckman throughout the early stages of his career, so he is extremely determined to push his case now to become part of our best 22.”

McCartney also highlighted that the club had been able to maintain its strong draft position while building on an important area of its list.

“One of our key focuses ahead of this trade period was to enhance or at least maintain the strength of our draft hand.

“So, we’re very pleased to be able to bring on a young talent like Max without affecting our array of selections which currently includes three picks within the top 25 of this year’s draft.”

Stay tuned to hawthornfc.com.au for further updates on the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.