Former first-round pick Cooper Stephens has joined the brown and gold, along with a pair of picks, after Hawthorn, Geelong and Collingwood reached a three-way deal on the final day of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.
The 188cm big-bodied midfielder will make the switch from the hoops to the Hawks, in addition to pick 41 and 50, while midfielder Tom Mitchell will depart for the Pies.
Hawthorn holds picks 6, 24, 41, 48, 50, 52 and 65 in next month’s national draft.
21-year-old Stephens played seven games for Geelong across their premiership season, highlighted by a strong 19-disposal and four-mark performance against GWS in Round 8.
Hawthorn National List and Recruiting Manager Mark McKenzie said the talented youngster is a terrific addition to the club’s list.
“Cooper comes to the Hawks as a highly touted 21-year-old, having been a former first-round pick, and we are thrilled to have him on board,” McKenzie said.
“We have a talented, young midfield and Cooper adds another important piece to our group.
“Standing at 188cm tall, he boasts a larger frame for an on-baller, and we think he can really complement our developing midfield mix.
“We are confident of Cooper’s capacity to continue his progression and become an important piece for Hawthorn in the future years ahead.”
29-year-old Mitchell departs the Hawks a three-time Peter Crimmins Medallist, following 106 games in the brown and gold.
After being traded from Sydney at the end of 2016, Mitchell carved out a career-best year in his second season at the Hawks, taking out the 2018 Brownlow Medal, on top of the AFLPA MVP and All-Australian honours.
Hawthorn National List and Recruiting Manager Mark McKenzie said the trade agreement strengthens the club’s position at the draft.
“Last year we were really clear that we wanted to invest in the development of our younger players. Premiership teams are not built overnight, and this about building our next phase of talent,” McKenzie said.
“Being able to secure further picks has always been a priority for us. This deal allows us to continue to add further youth to our list, while also giving Tom a fresh opportunity.
“To be holding a number of picks heading into next month’s draft, we feel we are set up extremely well to be able to able to add further top-end talent to our list.
“Being a three-time Peter Crimmins Medallist, Tom has played a pivotal role during his 106 games at Hawthorn, and the club would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future.”
Stephens joins Karl Amon as among the newest Hawks to land at Waverley Park, after Hawthorn nabbed the former Port Adelaide wingman as an unrestricted free agent.
The 27-year-old committed to a four-year deal with the Hawks following 124 games with Port Adelaide.
