GEELONG defender Tom Gillies has asked to be traded to Hawthorn.

Recruited by the Cats in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, the 21-year-old has spent much of the past three seasons in the VFL.

He played only two senior games for Geelong during the 2011 season (for a career total of eight), although he was a solid contributor in both.

Gillies' manager, Tim Hazell, says his client did not actively seek to attract interest from other clubs.

But Gillies has been impressed by the Hawks' pledge to give him more opportunities at the elite level.

"For Tom, this has come from left field," Hazell told AFL.com.au's Trade Week Radio on Thursday morning.

"It's a tough one because he's contracted to Geelong [for another season], and they have the cards and we need them to fall the right way for what we would like to happen.

"I think another club might be the best thing for Tom. Now that could be right that could be wrong.

"Tom's sort in that predicament where if he could get to a certain club he would definitely look at it.

"There's only probably one club that Tom is definitely interested in going to. I think it's pretty obvious that Hawthorn … are after Tom.

"If that deal can be done, then I think it's a win for Hawthorn and a win for Tom."

Given the Hawks are likely to be one of Geelong's main challengers for the 2012 premiership, it appears unlikely that the Cats will let Gillies reach his preferred destination.

Geelong also needs Gillies to be in line to replace Matthew Scarlett if the six-time All Australian sticks to his plan and retires at the end of next season.

"Hawthorn are interested in Tom Gillies, but he's very much required and a contracted player here," Geelong football manager Neil Balme told Trade Week Radio on Wednesday.

"So I'm not quite sure what their strategy is there but I don't reckon he's going anywhere."

Hazell admits a deal is a long way off.

"We haven't had too much contact with [Geelong] over the last 24 hours, but they're definitely playing hard-ball at the minute," Hazell said.

"They don't want to lose him.

"If it doesn't go through, Tom Gillies will be there next year giving it 100 per cent."

No trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm on Monday, October 17.

Follow our complete coverage of the 2011 AFL exchange period from October 10-17. Join the AFL trade conversation on Twitter: use #tradeweek in your tweets