Hawks to retain Ryan Schoenmakers despite addition of James Frawley.
Hawthorn utility Ryan Schoenmakers is not on the trade table and wants to stay at Hawthorn, according to Hawthorn recruiting and list manager Graham Wright.
Schoenmakers has struggled with form and injuries the past two seasons, playing just 19 matches over the past two years after featuring in every game in 2012, including the Grand Final.
He played 15 games in 2014 but did not win senior selection in the finals series.
The recruitment of Brian Lake at the end of 2012, coupled with Monday’s acquisition of free agent James Frawley means questions were raised about Schoenmakers’ future with the Hawks, but Wright told NAB AFL Trade radio on Monday the defender was a required player.
"He's certainly not on the table," Wright said.
"In his exit meeting last week with Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan, he's made it pretty clear that he wants to stay. At this stage he's a contracted player.
“We see him playing a multitude of roles. He's able to play as a key defender but he can play as a half-back flanker, a winger, and he played his junior footy as a leading forward. So he's got a lot of strings to the bow."
The Hawks were pleased to acquire Frawley after his manager Alex McDonald called Wright last Wednesday to confirm the 26-year-old wanted to join the premiers.
Wright said Frawley's contract had not put any pressure on the club’s salary cap.
"He's contracted for four (years)," Wright said.
"We're certainly hoping, having just turned 26, that he plays longer than four years. We certainly hope it's five or six.
"We weren't put off initially by the finances. They're always things that are bandied around a little bit but our dialogue with Alex McDonald was really open and honest."
The Hawks are interested in acquiring Greater Western Sydney youngster Jono O'Rourke but Wright said they are yet to start any formal discussions with GWS until the former No.2 draft pick decides where he would like to go.
Gold Coast is reportedly interested in young Hawk Mitch Hallahan but Wright confirmed he was under contract and a required player.
"He's said he wants to be at Hawthorn," Wright said.
The Hawks elected not to nominate Harry Dear, son of 1991 Norm Smith medallist Paul Dear, under the father-son process because they only have three picks in the NAB AFL Draft to work with at present.
"We haven't ruled Harry out, it just depends on what we do in the rookie draft and how many picks we have," Wright said.
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