Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has provided some insight on whether the Hawks really are “obsessed” with Harley Reid.

Plus, the Eagles eye a premiership Lion, the latest in a Carlton star’s contract situation and a twist in the ruck merry-go-round.

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HAWKS HARLEY TRUTH REVEALED

Reports earlier this week stated the Hawks were “obsessed” with Harley Reid and now Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has had his say.

“I saw the word obsessed and I went in the next day and I said to a couple of list guys, ‘Are we obsessed with Harley Reid?’ and then I saw some of the numbers that were getting thrown up and I said ‘What is happening here?’ And they’re like ‘just don’t even read the papers’,” Mitchell said on SEN’s Fireball this morning.

“He’s obviously a good player but he’s contracted to West Coast and he’s having a pretty good year. A bit like ‘Daysy’ getting sat on in his first game back, it’s a bit like, ‘oh’, I mean this 20-year-old is getting sat on most weeks now. He’s a good player,” he said.

Earlier this week, AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reported that the Eagles have put what would be “the biggest deal in AFL history” to the star youngster, keeping him at West Coast through to the end of 2037 with its value totalling over $20 million.

Could the Hawks offer Harley that sort of money? And how do contracts like that disrupt list builds as a whole?

Voss “disappointed” in farewell loss | 11:30

“If I’m really honest I actually don’t know. I don’t have anything to do with the financial stuff. It doesn’t seem right for us. At some point that’s going to happen isn’t it? Whether it’s in this CBA or the next one, but the money in the game continues to go up,” Mitchell said.

“The average salary continues to be higher and higher and higher and as they should be. Everyone wants to play the game and the spectacle of what we’re putting on at the moment is pretty good. I think the players deserve what they’re getting, it’s just how you attribute that.

“With our midfield as an example, being pretty workman-like and making sure that we’re consistent across the board. If you’re putting $2 million into one player, that makes it a little bit more difficult of course.”

EAGLES EYE FLAG HERO

The Eagles are keeping a keen eye on Brisbane Lions defender Brandon Starcevich as he weighs up his footy future, according to Triple M’s Ryan Daniels.

Daniels believe the Eagles could look to lure Daniels to the club to help provide the support they so desperately crave for some of their young stars.

“There are big offers on the table from Brisbane for him to stay, of course they love him. Essendon are into him as well, there are a couple of other clubs over in Victoria that are saying, ‘What’s going on here? Why hasn’t he signed?’,” Daniels began on Triple M.

“West Coast, there is some interest. They are targeting big-bodied veteran players to put around your Harley’s, your Clay Hall’s, your Elijah Hewett’s, they know they need experience because there’s a big patch in their list that’s missing,” he said.

“Brandon Starcevich would absolutely tick all of those boxes. He’s tough, he’s strong and he’s a bloody good person too.”

Starcevich’s problems with concussions have been laid bare in recent times, but Daniels moved to clarify that the star Lion is “healthy” and has actually only had one concussion, not the three as is sometimes reported.

“I think there’d be some apprehension from West Coast but I know for a fact, Brisbane, who have all the medical records, they’re saying he’s five years. If they’re saying that, I think that’s pretty good confidence.”

Curnow: ‘I am not leaving this club!’ | 03:05

FATHER-SON BLUE WEIGHS UP FUTURE

One of Carlton’s favourite sons Jack Silvagni is also weighing up his footballing future.

The Blues have had a four-year deal on the table for Silvagni for seven weeks at about $600,000 a year according to the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph.

But Collingwood are offering the same length deal at “better money”, although Ralph concedes “it’s not amazing”.

“Carlton’s view is that we’re not increasing our offer,” Ralph said on Fox Footy post-match.

Ralph believes one of the major appeals of Collingwood to Silvagni would be the chance to reunite with Dan Houston, who is a close friend.

But AFL great Jason Dunstall said Carlton should try as hard as possible to retain the versatile Blue.

“I personally think Carlton needs to keep Jack Silvagni. I think he’s been a revelation down back. What he’s given them is stability, a bit of calmness, he’s very cool and considered with the ball,” Dunstall said.

Silvagni has played 13 games this year and thrived in defence under Michael Voss, but is currently sidelined with a groin problem.

Docherty farewell ends in loss | 02:16

RUCK MERRY-GO-ROUND TWIST

Adelaide Crows ruck Reilly O’Brien has signed a three-year deal to remain at West Lakes.

Seven’s Mitch Cleary was the first to report the extension on Friday morning in what has wider repercussions for the rest of the competition.

Adelaide are seen as contenders to sign Essendon’s Sam Draper, but O’Brien’s recommittal makes the likelihood of that murkier.

Brisbane are reportedly in the market for Draper to boost their own ruck stocks which is currently headed by Oscar McInerney and Darcy Fort, while St Kilda are offering big money to Carlton free agent Tom De Koning.

Rowan Marshall could look for other opportunities as well if the Saints land De Koning.