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BLUE\u2019S \u2018FRUSTRATIONS\u2019 AS TRADE RUMBLINGS GROW<\/p>\n
Carlton midfielder George Hewett is reportedly harbouring \u201cfrustrations\u201d over losing his spot in Michael Voss\u2019 side, and it\u2019s led to trade noise.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s according to Seven\u2019s Mitch Cleary, who says those feelings could possibly lead to Hewett exploring a move elsewhere.<\/p>\n
The out-of-favour 30-year-old hasn\u2019t been seen at senior level since the Blues\u2019 Good Friday loss to North Melbourne in Round 4, dropped by the match committee for a refreshed midfield look.<\/p>\n
Hewett, who claimed the Blues\u2019 best-and-fairest just last year, is contracted through the end of next season, but that might not matter if he desires a fresh start in October.<\/p>\n
\u201cI reckon this guy would be seat 1A if that (a mid-season trade period) was to occur this year,\u201d Cleary said on Seven.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are growing frustrations around George Hewett as to potentially seeking a move out of Carlton if this continues.<\/p>\n
\u201cEssentially, they\u2019ve picked Adam Cerra over George Hewett.\u201d<\/p>\n
In four games this year, Hewett has averaged 20.5 disposals per game – down from 28.1 last season – including a 23-disposal, one-goal outing in Carlton\u2019s Round 1 win over Richmond.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s played 206 games, including 81 at the Blues since crossing over from Sydney at the end of 2021.<\/p>\n
Voss: “We played until the end!” | 11:52<\/p>\n
HAWKS \u2018MOVING ON\u2019 FROM BUTTERS CHASE<\/p>\n
Hawthorn has \u201cessentially moved on\u201d from a pursuit of premier free agent Zak Butters.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s according to Seven\u2019s Tom Morris, who reports that while the Hawks would formally say they haven\u2019t dropped out, they are targeting other players this year.<\/p>\n
He named a Suns livewire who was in Hawthorn\u2019s sights – and who met with coach Sam Mitchell – last year as one of those potential targets.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know Geelong is into (Butters), we know Collingwood is into him, we know the Bulldogs are very much keen on him \u2014 Hawthorn will say officially they\u2019re in the hunt, but I think they\u2019ve essentially moved on,\u201d Morris said on Seven.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they\u2019re looking at other targets like Bailey Humphrey and other midfielders as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they understand that he\u2019s going to cost a lot via trade, cost a lot financially, and it\u2019s going to be a bit of a debacle if they try to do that, a bit like the Zach Merrett thing last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, yes, if Butters went to them and said \u2018I want to play at Hawthorn\u2019, they\u2019d consider it, but I think they\u2019ve diverted their eyes elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mitch Cleary added: \u201cDogs (are) well ahead in the Butters race, I reckon.\u201d<\/p>\n
The news comes after Fox Footy\u2019s Jay Clark revealed that Essendon would also not be in the race for Butters, as they pursue out-of-contract Brisbane star Zac Bailey.<\/p>\n
Dons ditch Butters as eyes set on Bailey | 01:07<\/p>\n
SUNS\u2019 UNOFFICIAL OLIVE BRANCH FOR STAR RESTRICTED FREE AGENT<\/p>\n
Restricted free agent Ben King has reportedly been given the option of signing a long-term extension at Gold Coast, on top of a two-year deal he has been offered.<\/p>\n
AFL Media reports that the 25-year-old will unofficially be able to extend a two-year deal by up to six years, should be choose to stay at Carrara. <\/p>\n
\u2018Extensions\u2019 of this nature cannot be included in the official contracts of players, but can be verbally agreed upon in the assumption both parties will act in good faith.<\/p>\n