Hawthorn recruiting boss Mark McKenzie says the club's main priority during this year's trade period is to work towards improving their draft hand.

Speaking to the Continental Tyres Trade Radio on Thursday, McKenzie said the Hawks were also "open-minded" at getting other players to improve the list.

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“There is also the option of splitting pick five to have additional first-round picks," McKenzie said.

"We've said all along that we do want to improve our draft hand, but that doesn't necessarily have to mean trading out players - you can can do it many ways.

“(But) we are open-minded and open to any discussions that can happen with players and draft picks.”

Hawthorn currently has three picks inside the first 25 at the draft.

McKenzie said the club had shown "some interest" in talented Collingwood ruckman Max Lynch and and West Coast tall utility Jarrod Brander.

McKenzie said Fremantle - now turned Carlton midfielder - Adam Cerra and Port Adelaide ruckman Peter Ladhams were discussed too, but the club decided to not make a move on either.

“From our point of view, using early picks and going back to the draft was our priority," McKenzie said.

"Pete is a great player, but doesn't match up with what we would have to outlay from a picks point of view. We've removed ourselves from that discussion."