Trade news: Hawthorn’s ruck conundrum

Is Ned ready to take up the #1 ruck if Cegs leaves?

The trade period has kicked off and rumours about potential player movement are rife. The most interesting new piece relates to Jon Ceglar and the Hawks’ desire to move him on with a year to go on his contract.

According to Sam Edmund, the Hawks have told Ceglar to look at his options, with Geelong and the Bulldogs thrown up as potential landing spots.

This can mean one of two things: the Hawks believe Ned Reeves is ready to assume number one ruck duties and will move Ceglar on to ensure that this happens; OR the Hawks are chasing a number one ruck that more adequately suits our age demographic.

Let’s consider the possibilities.

Option 1 – Reeves is ready

If the Hawks believe Reeves is ready to take up the ruck mantle, moving on Ceglar will clear any blockages from the path that will allow that to happen. This would indicate that Hawthorn’s trade strategy would pivot to the prioritisation of signing a cheap, back-up ruckman like Max Lynch as cover for Reeves and McEvoy.

Reeves played only five games in his debut season for the Hawks, averaging 26.2 hitouts, 7.2 hitouts to advantage, 9.6 possessions and just over two clearances. He also kicked his first goal against the Gold Coast in round 11, taking a big contested mark in the square.

Option 2 – Reeves isn’t ready

If Mitchell and co. are concerned by Reeves’ endurance and ability to run out games at the highest level, then chasing a number one ruckman that is more clearly aligned with the list demographic will be the order of the day.

This lines up with last week’s piece by Hawks Insiders contributor Darren Levin, who argued Hawthorn should be targeting contracted Port ruckman Peter Ladhams.

“Ladhams has a year to run on his Port contract, but has reportedly been told he can explore his options in the trade period during his exit interview. He is keen to hold down Port’s #1 spot, but is being asked to play more forward minutes, with 29-year-old recruit Scott Lycett preferred as the first choice ruck.”

Ladhams could then be targeted to come in as the Hawks number one ruck for 2022, with a long-term view to share the role with Reeves once his tank allows it. 

“Ladhams and Hawthorn just seem like the perfect fit. He’s the perfect age profile, the perfect complement to Reeves and with the ageing McEvoy and the inconsistent Ceglar holding down the #1 and #2 spot, could slot straight into the side right now and be our first choice ruck for the next five years.”

Whichever way it plays out, it is clear no one is in a better position to make the call on Ned Reeves immediate future than last season’s Box Hill Hawks coach.

Other trade rumours

While the Hawks have been noticeably quiet in the lead up to the trade period, Hawthorn football boss Richie Vandenberg confirmed the club are looking to explore all options to improve its draft hand in an interview with the Herald Sun.

And as the trade period opened today, the Hawthorn rumour mill was already in full swing. Before lunchtime , the following has been reported:

• Tim O’Brien: Cal Twomey reports that the Western Bulldogs have joined Port Adelaide in their interest in O’Brien, looking for depth in their back half.

• Tom Mitchell: AFL Trade Radio has been speculating on a potential Mitchell trade, with Richmond the likely destination.

• Chad Wingard & Jaeger O’Meara: Fox Footy have mentioned both Wingard and O’Meara as being ‘on the table’ for the right price.

• Jack Gunston: Matthew Lloyd has stated that Jack Gunston has been considering his options, and has suggest Brisbane Lions as his ideal home.

• Oliver Hanrahan: Fox Footy have linked ‘out of contract speedster’ Hanrahan to Carlton.

If anyone thought Hawthorn’s List Management team were planning on taking annual leave this week, think again.

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