HAWTHORN will pick up Jack Gunston in next month's Telstra AFL Rookie Draft after delisting the triple premiership veteran on Thursday.

Gunston signed a deal for 2025 back in September and Thursday's decision will allow the Hawks to take another vacant list spot into the national draft on November 20-21.

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The club will then re-draft Gunston in the rookie draft on November 22.

The move to delist a player while committing to picking them up as a rookie has been common in this year's off-season, with Gunston the 10th player across the competition.

"Ultimately this list move ensures the club is in the strongest position possible heading into the draft, which Jack was very supportive of," McKenzie said.

"Jack's approach to this list manoeuvre speaks to his selflessness and commitment to Hawthorn in wanting to put the club in the best position moving forward."

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Gunston returned to Hawthorn from Brisbane 12 months ago and wasn't a permanent fixture in Sam Mitchell's side early in 2024.

But the All-Australian was a key figure in the club's surge into finals, including a season-high five goals against Richmond, and played an integral role in the development of first-year spearhead Calsher Dear.

The 33-year-old signed a one-year deal for 2025 alongside good mate Luke Breust on the eve of the finals.

Luke Breust and Jack Gunston celebrate a goal in Hawthorn's clash with Essendon in round one, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

In an interview with AFL.com.au in August, Gunston said he was keen to play on into a 16th season, even if it meant spending most of the year helping develop younger players rather than in the senior side.

"If I do go around and I don't play a game, I love the development side. I could be a development coach that is still out there, still playing and training. There is a lot of different ways to go about it. To be honest, it is pretty hard to leave this place if they want you to stay," he said.

"I don't care that I've played 256 games and I have to go back to play at Box Hill because the guys that I'm teaching are playing there. I enjoy just being at the footy club, teaching guys and seeing growth. If that's in the AFL team awesome, I hope I can contribute. If not, then it's teaching the guys at VFL level."