HAWTHORN sharpshooter Jack Gunston is prepared for all circumstances – including being traded – as the 16th-placed Hawks enter a transition phase.
The 25-year-old triple premiership star kicked more than 50 goals in each of the past three seasons, and some sections of the football industry believe he is the Hawks' most valuable trading chip.
Hawthorn officials were aggressive in post-season negotiations last year, with a number of senior players' futures discussed, and Sam Mitchell (West Coast) and Jordan Lewis (Melbourne) ultimately departing.
There was also strong speculation about fellow premiership players Paul Puopolo and Luke Breust, but each remained at Waverley Park, and the latter re-committed until the end of 2021.
But the Hawks' boldness at the trade table, and willingness to offer up even the biggest of names, has shown that no player is untouchable.
"It's silly season and names always get thrown up and I've seen it, I've read it and I've had a good laugh," Gunston told AFL.com.au of suggestions he might be traded.
"In football, I guess you never know.
"I'd love to stay at this club and I always want to stay at this club, but I guess the good thing is people see value in me and that's the reason they're talking, so I'll take the positives out of it."
Gunston, who grew up playing for Beaumaris and later Sandringham at TAC Cup under-18 level, joined Hawthorn for the 2012 season after two years at Adelaide.
His reason for leaving was homesickness, but he said the likes of sought-after out-of-contract stars Dustin Martin and Josh Kelly had plenty of things to consider.
"I was only two years into a contract at the time and mine was purely just wanting to come home and play footy back in Melbourne," Gunston said.
"But I'm sure there are a lot of things that weigh on your mind … a lot of it has to do with lifestyle and (what impact) the culture (could have) on your football, and the players around you.
"I can't speak for everyone. Others might need financial security and other reasons that are out there.
"There's always the silly season at the end of the year, and Hawthorn has done that pretty well the last few years with a few of the recruits they've got."
Gunston fulfilled long-held ambitions this year with his ascension to the Hawks' leadership group for the first time, under new skipper Jarryd Roughead.
He is keen to explore the option of being an assistant or development coach at AFL level post his playing career.
"We have a lot of young guys in there – Liam Shiels, Isaac Smith and Ben Stratton – and we're loving it," Gunston said.
"It's had its challenges in the first half of the season, no doubt, and we haven't had a rosy run, but it's great to test the character and test how strong this new leadership group is.
"I'm sure we'll learn from everything we're doing at the moment, and no doubt you'll see us blossom as the years go on."
