Hawthorn has landed big man Lloyd Meek, along with a future second-round pick, after striking a deal with Fremantle on the final day of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.
Midfielder Jaeger O’Meara and a future fourth-round pick will head the way of the Dockers in exchange for Meek and the early 2023 selection, which dramatically improves Hawthorn’s hand.
Hawthorn now holds picks 6, 24, 41, 48, 50, 52 and 65 in next month’s national draft.
While the club obtained an additional second-round pick (WB) for the 2023 national draft.
24-year-old Meek has shown glimpses of strong potential through 15 games for the Dockers, after the 203cm emerging ruckman was selected with Pick 69 in the 2017 national draft.
Hawthorn National List and Recruiting Manager Mark McKenzie said the addition of Meek further complements the club’s list.
“It’s really pleasing to welcome another big man in Lloyd to the Hawks,” McKenzie said.
“Standing at 203cm tall, Lloyd has all tools to be an imposing ruckman of the future, while also boasting a capacity to push forward and provide a key target inside 50.
“Having only turned 24 this year, we look forward to seeing him develop his craft at Hawthorn for many more years to come.”
O’Meara departs the Hawks having played 99 games in the brown and gold after being traded from the Gold Coast Suns at the end of the 2016 season.
The 28-year-old earned the upmost respect from his teammates and coaches during his time at the club, which led to his appointment as vice-captain prior to the 2020 season, as well as serving as stand-in captain for several games in 2022.
Hawthorn National List and Recruiting Manager Mark McKenzie said the deal done with the Dockers puts the club in a strong position.
“We are delighted to be bolstering our draft hand for 2023, while also ensuring a positive outcome for Jaeger to finish his career closer to home,” McKenzie said.
“We have a clear plan to be adding the best possible young talent to the club, and to now add another early pick for next season.
“This year's trade period was the next step in a longer plan to develop our list and return to premiership contention, and we won’t get there if we don’t make bold decisions.
“The club would like to acknowledge Jaeger’s service to the Hawthorn Football Club over the past six seasons and thank him for his contribution to the Hawks.”
It comes after Hawthorn landed talented wingman Karl Amon last week as an unrestricted free agent.
The 27-year-old committed to a four-year deal with the Hawks following 124 games with Port Adelaide.
