The 20-year-old, who was drafted at No.8 at the 2011 draft, wants to return home to Victoria after eight games in two seasons for the Lions.
He shapes as a nice replacement for premiership ruckman Max Bailey, who retired from football on the weekend.
"We've chatted to Brisbane and we've made some movement. Billy's nominated us and hopefully we can land him," said Hawks list manager Graham Wright at Etihad Stadium on Monday.
The Lions would like Hawthorn's first round selection, which is likely to be around no.20 for Longer, although the Hawks initially hoped to bundle a lower selection and perhaps a player.
But the Hawks won't finalise any of their trades until such time as they receive official notification of any offer from the Sydney Swans for Lance Franklin.
"We can't comment on anything until it comes through," Wright said.
As of late Monday, the AFL had yet to approve the Franklin deal, with the frustration of the Swans' officials at Etihad Stadium just starting to grow.
Meanwhile, the Hawks have said they are not one of the five or so clubs interested in Collingwood defender Heath Shaw. Wright also said Carlton was one of several clubs interested in Hawk midfielder Shane Savage.
"He's a contracted player so we're happy to retain him and if it can't be done he's happy to stay," Wright said.
"He was obviously a bit disappointed to miss out on the finals and he had a chat to the coach about more opportunities but if it doesn’t end up as a deal good for both parties then he'll obviously remain with us."
@afl_hashbrowne
