Hawthorn president Andrew Gowers says the club “makes no apologies for wanting to get better and improve” as they look to lure Essendon captain Zach Merrett.
It was revealed earlier in the week that Merrett met with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell and football boss Rob McCartney, as he assesses his future with the Bombers.
Despite the 29-year-old’s contract expiring at the end of 2027, the brash and brave brown and gold will not die wondering.
Hawthorn has outwardly targeted rival players in a bid to improve their list.
Last year, they successfully acquired Tom Barrass and Josh Battle. This year, Mitchell was caught meeting with Eagles co-captain Oscar Allen, and was seen with Harley Reid at a wedding.
“We make no apologies for wanting to get better and improve,” Gowers told SEN Sportsday.
“I know this has become a big story over the last day or two, but we are realists. We know other clubs are talking to our players, and this story has become big. I understand it, I get it.
“I watched with interest Brad Scott’s interview (and) I would be saying the same thing if I was him, but I think we are all realists.
“What I would say to all members and fans is we make no apologies for wanting to improve. Multiple conversations happen within the club, let alone outside. We are always looking to improve our list.
“We’re all grown-ups; everybody knows these things go on. I can’t confirm if Sam Mitchell met with Zach Merrett; I actually don’t know, as I’m not at the coalface.
“I do know Hawthorn is doing all it can to get better. We have to look at free agency, trading and the draft, and we will explore all three.”
However, Mitchell, following the club’s 34-point semi-final win over Adelaide, says he was not deterred in his preparation despite the media furore surrounding his meeting with Merrett.
“I’m not going to get into any details,” Mitchell said.
“But our playing group, I couldn’t have prepared any better for this game, that’s what I would say.
“My job is to win as many games as I possibly can as the coach of this club and to improve this club in any way I see fit.
“So I will continue to do that.”
A deal for Merrett would be difficult as the Bombers’ superstar is set to claim a sixth Crichton medal.
However, Channel 9’s Tom Morris reported that the classy left-footer may miss the best and fairest proceedings, which could be a sign that it’s “only going one way”.