Hawks get step one done ...

Hawthorn has completed the first step in its two-part midfield regeneration plan by agreeing to a trade for Tom Mitchell. 

The Hawks today reached an in-principle agreement with the Swans to trade their first-round pick, currently No.14 overall, for Mitchell and a swap of later picks. The deal is expected to be finalised next week.

What it means: 

  • He's the instant replacement for his namesake Sam, who flew to West Coast in Wednesday's trade bombshell.

AFL.com.au reporter Travis King has the details of the deal, including the ex-Swan's lucrative contract at Hawthorn.

... but step two is about to get complicated

The deal with the Swans for Mitchell could make it even tougher for the Hawks to kick-start their stalled bid to land Sun Jaeger O'Meara.

The Hawks have made little progress in their talks with Gold Coast on O'Meara and losing pick No.14 to the Swans won't help their cause.

The Suns were eyeing that pick as part of an O'Meara deal, thinking it could help them trade for Brisbane Lions defender Pearce Hanley.

What happens next? The Hawks urgently need to strengthen their draft hand. 

They appear certain to receive pick No.23 from Fremantle – the compensation selection the Dockers received following free agent Chris Mayne's departure to Collingwood – in exchange for premiership wingman Bradley Hill in a deal that could be finalised as early as Thursday morning.

But Hawthorn's next pick does not fall until No.36.

That means the pressure on the Hawks to offer the Suns a quality player for O'Meara looks likely to intensify.

Caddy shacked up in Geelong

Josh Caddy's manager, Peter Lenton, has told NAB AFL Trade Radio the midfielder bought a house in Geelong just three weeks ago and has no intention of leaving.

That might mean Richmond faces a tough task to convince both Caddy and the Cats to trade him to Punt Road.

One scenario the Tigers would accept: 

  • Deledio to Geelong, Caddy to Richmond.

A source close to Deledio on Wednesday night said there was no truth to rumours the midfielder was interested in joining the Western Bulldogs and the Cats remained his preferred destination.

Pickett's eyes are on Blues, not Roos

Greater Western Sydney forward Jarrod Pickett remains focused on a move to Carlton despite late interest from North Melbourne.

The Giants are believed to have discussed Pickett with North, as part of a larger trade that could also involve GWS midfielder Paul Ahern.

However, while the Roos remain open to a deal involving Pickett, 2014's No.4 draft pick appears determined to head to Ikon Park, where he knows former Giants Jed Lamb, Andrew Phillips, Lachie Plowman and Liam Sumner, and fellow West Australian Patrick Cripps.

Why Pickett has bargaining power:

  • He's contracted for 2017
  • If the Giants can't reach a trade with the Blues, who are also seeking to broker a deal for GWS key defender Caleb Marchbank, he's prepared serve out the final year of his contract at GWS. 

What else you need to know

- Zac Clarke is edging closer to re-signing with Fremantle after further discussions on Wednesday, with a new three-year deal a possibility.

  • The free agent's future could be resolved as soon as Thursday, with West Coast the only other option he is seriously considering.
  • If Clarke recommits to the Dockers, the Eagles will turn their attention to the other candidates they are considering to help cover injured ruckman Nic Naitanui's absence next season, a list that includes departing North Melbourne tall Drew Petrie. 

- The Dockers have also gained a commitment from Geelong forward Shane Kersten to join them. The 23-year-old is keen to move in search of consistent senior opportunities. 

Freo is likely to offer a selection between pick No.50 and No.60 for Kersten, but currently holds picks No.43 and No.61 so there will likely be some negotiation before a deal can be struck.

- Fremantle is also waiting on a decision from Western Bulldogs premiership defender Joel Hamling on whether he wants to head back to Western Australia.

- West Coast key defender Eric Mackenzie is likely to serve out the final year of his contract next season, but a rival club could yet make a late play for the 2014 best and fairest winner.

- The Lions will aim to secure Collingwood defender Jack Frost, who has played 54 games with the Magpies, with a selection late in the third round.

- Western Bulldogs midfielder Nathan Hrovat has met with Carlton and North Melbourne and is considering his options