HAWTHORN big men Sam Grimley and Luke Lowden are looking for opportunities at rival clubs, Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright has confirmed.
The duo have been starved for opportunities at the Hawks since making their senior debuts in 2013 and 2014 respectively and are on the lookout for a chance at opposition teams.
Wright confirmed the requests on NAB Trade Radio and said there has already been some interest in Lowden.
“Luke Lowden is out of contract but it’s not as though we’re pushing for Luke to be out either, it might just depend on list spots at the end of the trade period,” he said.
“We’re just working through what that might look like and if there’s anyone out there for Luke, which there have been a couple of clubs enquire.
“But again, it’s only early in the period and no one is really committing one way or the other.”
After waiting four years to earn his senior debut, Lowden made a sensational start to his AFL career by booting three goals in the win over West Coast in Tasmania.
But with David Hale, the emergence of young ruckman Jonathon Ceglar and the addition of Ben McEvoy, opportunities could again be limited for the ruckman.
Grimley is in a similar position after playing three matches in his debut season last year but failed to make an impact at senior level in 2014.
A 199cm forward/ruckman, Grimley tied for the VFL’s leading goal kicking award, the Frosty Miller Medal this year and proved pivotal in Box Hill’s finals campaign.
“Sam has made it public through his management that he wants to seek opportunity elsewhere,” Wright said.
“I haven’t had anyone yet but I only got that news on Wednesday afternoon and it came out (Thursday morning).”
The Hawks have already been active in this year’s free agency and trade period, having signed former Melbourne defender and unrestricted free agent James Frawley, while also trading in talented midfielder Jonathan O’Rourke from GWS.
The O’Rourke deal saw the Hawks send their first pick in the draft, number 19 overall to GWS as well as pick 40 in exchange for the former number two draft pick and selection 43.
Hawthorn also confirmed on Thursday Jordan Kelly and rookie listed players Ben Ross and Derick Wanganeen would not be offered playing contracts for season 2015.
