Hawthorn was the AFL’s biggest riser (and just about the biggest story) in 2024. And in a scary prospect for the rest of the competition, they’re about to get even better. The Hawks in next month’s trade and free agency window are set bolster their defence with key pillars Tom Barrass and Josh Battle.
Even just getting one would’ve been huge for the only real position Sam Mitchell’s side is currently wanting. Watch every game until the 2024 AFL Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today > The duo would’ve been handy in last weekend’s narrow semi-final loss to Port Adelaide given Hawthorn was without experienced defender Sam Frost, leaving its already undersized defence further undermanned.
It’s impossible to know how it might’ve changed their prospects, but they’ll clearly help moving forward and free up James Sicily and Jack Scrimshaw more. The beauty of the Battle addition is that, as a free agent, he’ll cost nothing in a trade sense. The 26-year old does come at a steep price though, reportedly crossing on a six-year deal worth around $900,000.
As Battle is an unrestricted free agent, St Kilda can’t match the deal, though the club is reportedly confident of getting a first-round pick as compensation (not that it affects Hawthorn in any way). The Barrass deal is more complex. West Coast is reportedly set to ask for two first-round picks from Hawthorn in a hefty asking price for a player about to t.