This is how the Hawks could pull off a heist for the ages

July 23, 2026 — 5:53pm

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All the pieces are coming together for Hawthorn – but plenty of questions and intrigue remain.

The Hawks have re-signed in-demand free agent Mitch Lewis and resurgent veteran Jack Gunston in the days since this masthead revealed that Gold Coast spearhead Ben King was set to accept Hawthorn’s six-year restricted free agency offer.

Lewis could have earned more money if he went to Collingwood, but never met with any other clubs or entertained rival offers.

The 27-year-old will instead remain in brown and gold for another four seasons after kicking 30 goals in a career-most 18 games so far this season, with the Hawks confident he and King – both near, or taller than, 200 centimetres – will complement one another.

Zach Merrett is next on Hawthorn’s hit list, which also includes contracted Sun Bailey Humphrey, but their pursuit of the ex-Essendon captain could be tied to whatever call Gold Coast make on King.

The Suns will undoubtedly score band-one compensation for the prolific forward – which would currently be pick No.6, off Gold Coast’s ladder position – or could match Hawthorn’s terms and instead broker........

© The Sydney Morning Herald