Harry Sheezel has secured his future with North Melbourne, but across the AFL another contract negotiation is attracting just as much attention. Hawthorn key forward Mitch Lewis remains unsigned beyond 2026, and the longer negotiations drag on, the more intriguing his future becomes.
While Sheezel has ended months of speculation by signing a six-year extension until the end of 2032 worth more than $8 million, Lewis is still weighing up his options after reportedly knocking back Hawthorn’s initial long-term offer.
According to reports, the Hawks have tabled Lewis a four-year contract, but the financial terms have been described as modest given his importance to the club. The situation has become even more interesting as Hawthorn continues to chase some of the biggest names on the market, including Gold Coast spearhead Ben King, Essendon captain Zach Merrett and Suns midfielder Bailey Humphrey.
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From Lewis’ perspective, the hesitation is understandable.
The 28-year-old has returned to some of his best football after two injury-interrupted seasons and has already equalled his career-high by playing 15 games this year. With rival clubs continuing to monitor his situation, Lewis is well within his rights to test his value before committing to a deal.
Speaking about his future, Lewis admitted negotiations remain unresolved and stopped short of confirming whether Hawthorn’s current offer would be enough to keep him at Waverley Park.
The uncertainty doesn’t end there.
Young key forward Calsher Dear has also paused contract talks, revealing the speculation surrounding his future had begun affecting his football. Rather than allowing negotiations to become a distraction, the talented 20-year-old has decided to focus solely on his performances for the remainder of the season before revisiting discussions.
“I just want to focus on playing footy and don’t need that pressure of thinking about what I’m going to do in the future,” Dear said.
While Hawthorn’s negotiations continue, North Melbourne has wasted no time locking away its biggest star.
Sheezel’s extension until 2032 is expected to earn him more than $8 million across the life of the deal, making it one of the richest contracts in AFL history. Given the 21-year-old has already won two Syd Barker Medals, become a vice-captain and missed just two games since being drafted, the Kangaroos have made it clear they see him as the player to build their future around.
Elsewhere, attention is beginning to turn towards the 2023 draft class, with several first-round selections—including Zane Duursma and Jed Walter—still without new contracts beyond next season. Clubs are expected to ramp up negotiations as the season progresses, particularly with the AFL’s mandatory three-year contracts for first-round draft picks now reaching their conclusion.
With the trade period approaching, Hawthorn suddenly finds itself juggling several significant list decisions.
Whether Lewis recommits or decides to test free agency could shape not only the Hawks’ forward line, but also how aggressively they pursue rival stars during what is shaping as another fascinating AFL off-season.
