As the AFL trade period nears, discussion is continuing to swirl around what could transpire over the coming weeks...

Whether Shane Mumford plays on next year could have a flow-on effect at Hawthorn.

The Greater Western Sydney big man came out of retirement for this season to help the ruck-starved Giants and ended up playing 20 games, including the Grand Final. 

A decision on his future could be made inside the next two days, when GWS holds its exit meetings, but he is set to be a ruck coach at the club whether he plays or not.

Dawson Simpson has already retired, leaving 2018 draftee Kieren Briggs and Matthew Flynn, who will likely miss the first half of next year recovering from an ACL rupture, as the Giants' only other ruckmen. 

Read: Hawks lose top ten draft spot

Ex-Crow Sam Jacobs will sign with GWS for the next two years once the free agency period starts on Friday. 

The Giants cast their net wide during the year in their search for ruckmen, with young Hawk Marc Pittonet one of those they enquired about.

Pittonet remains without a contract for next year and has played only seven AFL games in five seasons despite consistently strong VFL form. 

The 23-year-old is behind Ben McEvoy and Jon Ceglar, who re-signed three weeks ago for three years, while 208cm project ruckman Ned Reeves is also on Hawthorn's list.

Pittonet returns from an overseas holiday this week ahead of a decision on his future, and there is still a chance he signs on for a sixth season at Waverley Park.

However, there is going to be a trade between GWS and the Hawks, with contracted forward-ruck Jon Patton announcing on Tuesday his wish to play in brown and gold next year.

Early suggestions are Patton might be secured for a third-round draft pick, but Pittonet could be another option in this deal.