Former Essendon defender Michael Hartley will train with Hawthorn in the lead-up to the pre-season draft, with hopes of earning a place on the club’s 2020 list.

Having spent the past four seasons at the Bombers, Hartley knocked back a contract offer to remain in the red and black, opting instead to nominate for next week’s pre-season draft.

The 26-year-old played 44 games for Essendon while he was also listed at Collingwood for two years prior to his stint with the Bombers.