Ben King’s move from Gold Coast to Hawthorn is a step closer after the Hawks lodged free agency paperwork for the Suns’ all-time leading goalkicker on Tuesday.
AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey reported that Hawthorn has lodged its offer for King, a restricted free agent. Gold Coast now has three days to decide whether to match the offer and force a trade, or let him go and accept a compensation pick from the AFL, expected to be pick No.7.
“Hawthorn has lodged its free agency paperwork for Ben King’s move to the club,” Twomey posted on X.
“As a restricted free agent Gold Coast will now have three days to be able to match the offer or take the compensation pick No.7. Things are moving.”
Zero Hanger also reported the lodgement.
The deal on the table
King is moving on a seven-year deal to the end of 2034 worth more than $9 million over its life, according to AFL.com.au.
He kicked a career-best 71 goals in 2025 and 60 this year, taking his career tally to 315 goals for the Suns.
Match or take the pick
AFL.com.au reported that the Suns have met with young Hawthorn forward Aidan Schubert, who is considering a move north. The two clubs are expected to keep negotiating with every move between them on the table, and that is likely to decide whether Gold Coast matches the King offer or takes the compensation pick.
The Hawks have already been busy this trade period, landing Zach Merrett from Essendon on the opening day. Gold Coast has also been active, adding Scott Pendlebury from Collingwood.
What it means for Hawthorn
The Sandringham product would give the Hawks another tall target alongside Jack Gunston and Mitch Lewis, with Nick Watson working at their feet.
The AFL trade period runs until Wednesday 14 October.
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