Hawthorn has welcomed back premiership star Jack Gunston and strengthened its draft hand, after finalising a trade deal with Brisbane on the last day of the Continental AFL Tyres Trade Period.
The Hawks will receive Gunston, a pair of 2023 draft selections (picks No. 47 & No. 61), along with Brisbane’s future second-round pick as part of the agreement.
While in exchange, Hawthorn sends Brandon Ryan to the Lions, in addition to a pair of 2023 draft selections (picks No. 39 & No. 54) and a future fourth-round draft pick.
Gunston, a three-time premiership player with the Hawks, makes his return to the brown and gold only a season after his departure to Brisbane.
The experienced goal kicker will provide a welcome boost to a young and developing Hawthorn forward line, with 452 majors next to his name across his 242-game career.
On top of his role in Hawthorn’s three-peat triumph of 2013, 2014 and 2015, Gunston is also former Peter Crimmins Medallist, having claimed the club’s highest individual honour in 2020.
Hawthorn National List and Recruiting Manager Mark McKenzie was excited by the blend of youth and experience being added to the club.
“Gunners is a high calibre person and player, and for him to walk back though our doors at Hawthorn is a terrific outcome,” McKenzie said.
“Whilst still contributing strongly on the field, he’ll also play an important role in helping foster the emerging talent on our list.
“We know the sort of character Gunners is – he drives elite standards and hold his teammates to account and is genuinely respected by all at the club.”
In farewelling Brandon Ryan, McKenzie acknowledged his contribution to Hawthorn.
Ryan played three games for the Hawks and booted four goals, after joining the club via Pick 12 in this year’s mid-season draft.
“While it’s been whirlwind six months for Brandon, we absolutely respect his decision to take up a multi-year deal at Brisbane to continue his career," McKenzie said.
“We’d like to thank him for his service at Hawthorn and wish him well for the future."
