REPORTS that Hawthorn had told the Sydney Swans eight of its players were 'untouchable' in an attempted deal for forward Ryan O'Keefe were incorrect, says player personnel and strategy manager Chris Pelchen.
Quizzed at the conclusion of the exchange period, Pelchen confirmed that his club had never listed players as off-limits in a swap for O'Keefe.
"We were surprised to read that in Friday's newspapers, because at no time did we actually state that there was a list of players untouchable on our list," Pelchen told afl.com.au.
"Certain players were raised by the Sydney Swans across the course of the week, but we declined to act on it. We certainly gave an indication that members of our leadership group were not available to be talked about.
"If that constitutes a list of untouchables – then so be it. It was certainly never put forward that we have a list of untouchable players."
Pelchen said the club was disappointed that reports had been "conveyed to our supporter base and player group that certain players were available and certain players weren't.
"We never ever put it in such specific detail, I can say categorically. When players such as Jordan Lewis were raised, we just declined to deal on that," he said.
"So we were surprised to hear that we have a list of untouchables – it may be in theory – but we at the Hawthorn Football Club have never used the term 'a list of untouchable players'.
"We look at every offer that is put to us on its merits. Yes, we choose to decline certain offers, but to use the terminology of 'untouchable players' – we steer away from."
Pelchen said the Hawks were eager to secure O'Keefe, but didn't want to strike a deal that would have a negative effect on the player list or, specifically, the salary cap.
"We had daily contact with the Sydney Swans and we would've been delighted to secure Ryan's services, but at the same time, we were never going to trade for the sake of trading," Pelchen said.
"I think we've maintained the integrity of our playing group, but ensuring that they were communicated with, in terms of our position and recruiting Ryan to the club. If no suitable trade was forthcoming, whether it was for one of our players or a player we were trying to attract to the club, then we wouldn't go through with the deal.
"At the end of the week, no such deal presented itself."
Pelchen added that he was still satisfied with the week, despite no outcome.
"Most importantly was that our current playing group of 44 players were aware of what we we're doing as a football club and they have been – that's the main thing," he said.
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Follow all the ins and outs of the 2008 AFL exchange period at afl.com.au/trade. Full details of every trade by every club, plus news, quotes and the very latest via our twitter feed.
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