As we approach the last day of the 2019 Telstra AFL Trade Period we thought we’d revisit three of Hawthorn's top trades from the past 10 years.
1. Dynamic duo deal
In the 2001 preliminary final, the Hawks surprised many by coming within nine points of the reigning premiers, Essendon.
Despite this huge effort from the side, Hawthorn's braintrust decided that the club needed to re-tool their midfield and bring in some young talent. They looked ahead to the upcoming draft.
Hawthorn secured three draft selections, pick one, 20 and 36 after trading Trent Crowd and Luke McPharlin.
As it eventuated, pick one and 36 turned into Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell, while Daniel Elstone was drafted with pick 20. It was the beginning of a dominant era in Hawthorn’s history, with Hodge and Mitchell captaining four Hawks flags between them over the next 14 years.
The icing on the trade cake occurred two years later, when Hawthorn favourite son Trent Croad returned home, before going on to help Hawthorn to the 2008 premiership.
2. Grange for the price of Passion Pop
In the 2009 trade period, Hawthorn secured a trade that received its fair share of criticism, but would now leave the critics red faced.
Port Adelaide vice-captain Shaun Burgoyne surprised many at the end of the 2009 season when he requested a trade to a Victorian-based club.
Burgoyne had endured an injury-ravaged 2009 season and at the age of 28, many believed his best football was behind him. Nevertheless, the Hawks saw his longevity and in a complex four-team trade, parted with pick nine and premiership goal kicker Mark Williams, in return for the experienced Burgoyne.
Now, the 36-year-old is heading into his 19th AFL season and has put together a scintillating career in the brown and gold, winning three premierships and breaking the AFL indigenous games record.
3. The young Roo that could
It was a big year for the Hawks in 2009, not only did they have their sights set on Burgoyne, but North Melbourne defender Josh Gibson was also on their wish list.
The four-year Roo had shown an interest in becoming a Hawk, and on the first day of the trade period, a deal was struck. Hawthorn traded picks 25 and 41 to North in exchange for the 25-year old and pick 69.
Gibson went on to play 160 games in the brown and gold, becoming a three-time premiership player, a two-time best and fairest winner in premiership years and an All Australian defender.
