HAWTHORN may eye Dayle Garlett at Thursday night's NAB AFL Draft, a year after he was overlooked by every club.
The talented West Australian is believed to have met with the Hawks several times this year, and has also reportedly kept in regular contact with Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson throughout the season.
The Hawks considered Garlett last year but like every other recruiting team did not draft him after some wayward off-field behaviour.
Industry speculation suggests the Hawks could look to choose Garlett with their first pick, No.24, having made their intentions clear they would like to add running midfielders to their list.
Click here to read Dayle Garlett's draft profile
Click here to read Dayle Garlett's draft profile
They remain the most strongly linked club to the 19-year-old.
Garlett played 19 games for Swan Districts in the WAFL this year largely as a half-forward, where he kicked 48 goals.
Rival clubs believe if Hawthorn has made the decision it wants to draft Garlett, it will do so at its first selection to avoid any later club jumping in.
Although Essendon coach Mark Thompson ruled out using the Bombers' first pick – No.26 – on Garlett, the club still holds an interest in the classy left-footer.
Garlett trained with the Bombers last year in the lead-up to the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft, where it is believed the club's leadership group had a say in the decision not to draft him.
North Melbourne has also been linked to Garlett, with Kangaroos forward Lindsay Thomas also in regular contact with him earlier in the year.
Garlett told AFL.com.au in October he would enjoy a move out of Western Australia.
"I reckon I'm ready to play AFL football," Garlett said.
"I would love to go somewhere in Victoria, just so I can be a nobody and focus on my football."
Garlett has been training on a pre-season program ahead of the draft and is ready if a chance comes his way, according to his manager Tim Galic of ISMA management.
"He's conscious of the fact he's hoping for a second opportunity and he's taking nothing for granted," Galic said.
The draft will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday.
