HAWTHORN list manager Chris Pelchen says Western Bulldogs forward Josh Hill wants to join the Hawks.

The 21-year-old's name has been mentioned frequently during the early days of the trading period.

"Now we've got to try and work through a deal with the Western Bulldogs as obviously he's still a contracted player," Pelchen said on afl.com.au's Trade Week Radio on Thursday.

"It's pleasing at least to have Josh's commitment that he wants to play at Hawthorn.

"That's just transpired in the last couple of hours and we'll now push ahead in our negotiations with the aim to get Josh across the line."
 
The Hawks are also locked in a battle with the Demons to win the services of North Melbourne ruckman David Hale.

"We're having ongoing discussions with David and his manager Ricky Nixon and we know that Melbourne footy club are the same," Pelchen said.

"It will come down to either Melbourne or Hawthorn and we've still got a few things to work through, most notably David has to make a decision about which club he would like to play for.

"He hasn't done that at the moment and hence we're still having those discussions with Ricky Nixon.

"Likewise, we've had a couple of conversations with North Melbourne about David, and working through what could potentially be a trade situation.

"It would be premature to say we've got an agreement from either party and Melbourne are in the same boat."

Pelchen says while Hawthorn is keen to strengthen its backline, the club will not be going after disgruntled Tiger Will Thursfield.

The Hawks have also denied that Rick Ladson wants to be traded.

"He's a premiership player and someone that's really respected among our playing group," Pelchen said.

"While he had a challenging 2010, we would expect Rick to bounce back in 2011.

"The rumours circulating about Rick wanting to change clubs are wrong, although we have told his management that if there are enquiries about Rick then we'll let them know.

"Rick was probably a little bit frustrated by a lack of opportunities this year, partly due to injuries and partly due to a loss of form.

"Both parties are still committed to the Hawthorn footy club, but we have got an agreement with his management that if there are enquiries then we'll pass them on."