HAWTHORN midfielder Mitch Hallahan would prefer to stay at the Hawks despite interest from Gold Coast Suns.

Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright confirmed to NAB Trade Radio the Suns have enquired about the availability of the solidly built midfielder but Hallahan, who is contracted for another season, would prefer to stay in brown and gold.

“They did initially,” Wright said of enquiries made by the Suns.

“Mitch is another one who’d prefer to be here at Hawthorn – he’s got another year to go (on contract).

“I haven’t had any further conversations with Scotty Clayton (Gold Coast Recruiting Manager) at all.

“I’m unsure where that one sits right at the moment but we are early in the period.”

After winning the J.J. Liston Trophy as the VFL’s best and fairest player in 2013, Hallahan finally made his senior debut in Round 5 this season.

He played six games between rounds 5 and 11 and impressed, picking up 25 disposals against the Swans in Round 8 and twice managing 20 touches, against the Tigers and Power.

Hallahan was also a key player for Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate Box Hill, consistently named in the best and was pivotal in their finals campaign.

Key tall Ryan Schoenmakers is another who would prefer to stay at the Hawks despite interest from rival clubs.

With the addition of unrestricted free agent James Frawley, questions have been asked about the future of Schoenmakers, who played 15 games this season but didn’t feature in the premiership side.

"We're open-minded from his perspective as to what he wants to do but at this stage he is committed to Hawthorn so that is a good thing," Wright said.

Ruckmen Sam Grimley and Luke Lowden are assessing their options at rival clubs.