HAWTHORN has struck the first deal of trade week, securing North Melbourne defender Josh Gibson in Monday's opening minutes.

The deal sees Gibson and North's fifth-round selection (No.69 overall) head to the Hawks.

In return, the Roos gain Hawthorn's second and third-round picks (25 and 41) in next month's NAB AFL Draft.

Gibson, who informed North last month that he wanted to be traded to Hawthorn, said joining the Hawks was a footballing decision.

"The club has given me the chance to play a role and I look forward in contributing to the future success of Hawthorn," he told hawthornfc.com.au.

"I'd like to thank the Hawks for the opportunity and I look forward to playing my part."

Gibson, 25, played 65 games for the Roos from his 2006 debut, including all 22 this season.

Hawthorn was pleased to secure another selection – albeit a later pick – as it's likely to make No.9 available in an effort to lure Port Adelaide's Shaun Burgoyne to Waverley Park.

If that proves successful, the Hawks won't make their first draft selection until the fourth round (No.57) with 69 to follow.

It is understood Hawthorn was interested in gaining North Melbourne's fourth-round pick (No.53), but that the Roos could be using that selection in another deal.

Hawthorn, which had the AFL's youngest list in 2009, is looking to add experience to its list this year because it selected three 17-year-olds at last year's draft – Liam Shiels, Shane Savage and Luke Lowden.

Shiels was the youngest player in the competition this year, but was named Hawthorn's best first-year player on Saturday night.

Savage, who missed the opening 12 rounds of the season with a shoulder injury, broke into the senior side in the final three rounds of 2009, while 205cm ruckman Lowden concentrated on his school studies and is still developing physically.

Many recruiters believe this year's draft is weaker given the ineligibility of 17-year-olds; created by Gold Coast's access to a dozen of them this year.

Acquiring the young blood last year was a strategic recruiting move, according to Hawthorn player personnel and strategy manager Chris Pelchen.

"Having selected three 17-year-olds in last year's draft has meant, in essence, we're already taking three players out of this year's draft pool," he said.

"But we're obviously delighted to have completed the trade for Josh Gibson so early in AFL trade week.

"Josh will become an important part of the Hawthorn defensive structure in 2010 and notably assist with the further development of emerging young players such as Ryan Schoenmakers and Brendan Whitecross in defence."

The 2009 AFL exchange period runs from October 5-9. No trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm on Friday, October 9.