Hawks mull Harris trade ahead of deadline as Demons offer extension

Hawthorn has been busy on the penultimate day of the AFLW trade period, but the club is still mulling over making a play for Melbourne premiership forward Tayla Harris.

The Hawks sent off rising midfield star Mattea Breed to Collingwood, along with pick 26 in the AFLW draft.

The Magpies exchanged picks number 22 and 28.

Lou Stephenson is leaving the Hawks for the Western Bulldogs as part of a four-club trade.

Also part of the trade, the Hawks received Adelaide premiership player Najwa Allen, while GWS snared Bulldogs defender Eleanor Brown and Crow Taylah Levy.

Whether the Hawks land Melbourne premiership player Harris ahead of the Wednesday trade period deadline remains to be seen, with the Demons offering a new contract to the high-profile forward.

Hawthorn was leading the race ahead of Collingwood for Harris before pulling out of the six-club deal involving her Melbourne teammate Lily Mithen’s move to Gold Coast.

The four-time All-Australian’s potential move to the Hawks largely depends on the club giving up their number-four pick to the Demons, who have already secured number two and 20 from the Suns.

Breed will be a welcome addition to the last-placed Magpies, who hope the Northern Territory product can form a devastating partnership alongside star midfielder Bri Davey.

Joining Collingwood on a two-year deal, Breed averaged 13.6 disposals and a total of 50 clearances across 2024.

The 23-year-old further impressed after finishing as a finalist for the mark-of-the-year award.

“Mattea provides great drive through the midfield and staying ahead of the ball, impressing in the contest and her attacking ability,” Collingwood general manager of women’s football Jess Burger said.

Also on Tuesday, Adelaide traded pick number 39 for former Rising Star award winner Hannah Ewings and Sydney gave away Montana Beruldsen to Richmond for Imogen Brown.

AAP