HAWTHORN is finalising terms on a one-year contract to retain premiership defender James Frawley for 2020.
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AFL.com.au understands Frawley's impressive second half of 2019 will earn him an extension, with an announcement due inside the next week.
After an injury-interrupted start to the year, the veteran defender has played the past 12 matches straight.
James Frawley has played a big part in Hawthorn's strong finish to 2019. Picture: AFL Photos
His role to limit Tom Hawkins' influence in the Hawks' upset win over Geelong in round 18 earned him votes in the AFLCA Player of the Year award.
Having moved as a free agent from Melbourne to Hawthorn ahead of 2015, Frawley was eligible as an unrestricted free agent this year.
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Frawley, 31 next month, is one of several veterans the Hawks will make decisions on inside the next week as exit interviews begin following Saturday's date with West Coast.
His 2015 premiership teammate Ryan Schoenmakers appears unlikely to receive an extension, while Grant Birchall and Paul Puopolo remain without a deal for next season.
Winger Ricky Henderson, 31, is also without a contract after a blistering start to a 2019 season in which he has played every match.
The Hawks started talks with Shaun Burgoyne's camp over an extension more than four weeks ago, however negotiations remain unresolved as Gold Coast circle with interest.
It comes as 28-year-old ruckman Jon Ceglar has attracted interest from Brisbane, with others out of contract including VFL regulars Kaiden Brand, Marc Pittonet, Teia Miles and David Mirra.
The Hawks' VFL affiliate Box Hill must win on Saturday against Collingwood in order to keep its season alive.
The Hawks remain in the race with Carlton to lure gun Greater Western Sydney free agent Stephen Coniglio out of the Giants.
It has been a busy year of negotiations at Waverley Park with Tim O'Brien (2021), James Cousins (2021), Jaeger O'Meara (2023), Tom Mitchell (2023) and James Worpel (2021) among players to have recommitted.
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