HAWTHORN want to keep Isaac Smith and have put an offer to the game-breaking wingman.
Smith, 31, an unrestricted free agent at season's end, has been the subject of speculation as the 16th-placed Hawks wrestle with tough decisions on several big-name veterans.
But it can be revealed Hawthorn has an offer on the table for Smith, which could keep him in brown and gold for another two seasons.
The left-footer earlier this week admitted he was unsure of what his playing future held, 12 months after he was linked with a potential move to the Western Bulldogs.
Smith’s status as an unrestricted free agent means he would be free to move to his club of choice should a rival club present an attractive contract.
The midfielder will now miss the rest of the season having been sidelined since Round 11 with a shoulder injury. But he has been remarkably durable and when fit remains a damaging line-breaker and ball-user in a game that now prioritises those attributes more than ever.
He was an integral member in Hawthorn’s three consecutive premierships in 2013, ’14 and ’15 after being drafted as a 21-year-old with pick 19 in 2010.
Hawthorn’s sudden drop down the ladder and need to regenerate has presented it with a number of difficult decisions on its ageing – and celebrated – players.
Shaun Burgoyne last season rejected a multiple-year deal with Gold Coast to sign a one-year deal with the Hawks and is again out of contract.
Skipper Ben Stratton, Paul Puopolo, James Frawley and Ricky Henderson also have unrestricted free agent status.