HAWTHORN is still keen to acquire out of contract Brisbane ruckman Billy Longer.

The 20 year old has expressed a desire to join the Hawks but given the reigning premiers have since signed former Saints ruckman Ben McEvoy, a deal may be difficult to achieve.

Longer declared Hawthorn his club of choice last week.

General Manager – Football Operations Chris Fagan says the Hawks are still interested in the 202cm Lion.

“We’re still talking with his management and Brisbane but it’s probably going to be difficult for us to satisfy Brisbane’s needs in regards to the fact he was a first round draft pick and they have high hopes for him,” Fagan told SEN.

“Who knows, they may even try and keep him there.”

Hawthorn has already traded its first round pick in the National Draft, currently number 17 overall and promised its Lance Franklin compensation pick to the Saints for McEvoy and St Kilda’s second round pick.

It had appeared Longer was Hawthorn’s number one priority during this year’s trade period when it began last Monday but that all changed when McEvoy became available.

Fagan said the 200cm 24 year old was too good to pass up.

“In some ways the trade period is like a fishing expedition where you go out and see what might be available to you,” he said.

“We’ve gone into the trade period with an open mind – we were looking for a ruckman so we had to keep our options open and when Ben popped up, it was just too good not to pursue.”