Young Hawthorn forward Aidan Schubert will request a trade to Gold Coast, AFL.com.au reported on Thursday 8 October, in a move that could clear the way for Ben King’s free agency switch to the Hawks.
AFL.com.au’s Callum Twomey reported that the 18-year-old forward and ruckman now wants to head to the Suns, only months after signing a two-year contract extension at Hawthorn in June.
“Breaking – Young Hawks forward Aidan Schubert will seek a trade to Gold Coast. It is happening,” Twomey posted on X.
“Schubert wasn’t originally looking at a move but the push and opportunity has meant that he will now seek a trade to the Suns.”
Zero Hanger also reported that Schubert will seek a trade to the Suns.
Five-year deal waiting on the Gold Coast
Schubert travelled to the Suns’ facility with his family on Tuesday and returned home on Wednesday after meeting coach Damien Hardwick and key staff, according to AFL.com.au. He is set to take up a five-year deal with Gold Coast, the report said.
His extension had tied him to the Hawks until the end of 2029, AFL.com.au reported earlier in the trade period, so Hawthorn and the Suns will need to agree on a trade. AFL.com.au’s report did not include comment from either club.
What it means for Ben King
Hawthorn lodged its free agency offer for Ben King on Tuesday, and the Suns’ push for Schubert has been tied up in what happens next.
AFL.com.au reported that Gold Coast now appears unlikely to match the Hawks’ offer for King, which would leave the Suns accepting a compensation pick, likely No.7. A trade for Schubert would sit separate to King’s free agency move.
Fox Sports reported the Suns have until 4:15pm on Friday to decide whether to match Hawthorn’s seven-year contract offer to King.
Who is Aidan Schubert?
Schubert was one of the youngest players in last year’s draft and doesn’t turn 19 until December. Hawthorn took him with pick No.23, and he made his AFL debut against North Melbourne in round 21, his only senior game so far.
The Suns started targeting him in July, when it became clear King was heading to the Hawks, AFL.com.au reported. Their interest grew last week after Hawthorn re-signed fellow young tall Calsher Dear for two years.
It is another big move in a busy trade period for the Hawks, who landed Zach Merrett from Essendon on the opening day.
More News
- AFL: Ben King Move to Hawthorn Closer as Hawks Lodge Offer
- AFL: Zach Merrett Traded to Hawthorn as Bombers Land Pick 15
- AFL: Will McLachlan Requests Trade From Brisbane to Melbourne
- AFL: Jordan Ridley Traded to Geelong as Jack Bowes Joins Essendon
- AFL: Fremantle Sign Ex-Bulldog Dom Bedendo as Delisted Free Agent
