Just as all signs were suggesting a quiet trade period for Hawthorn, a final last-minute deal moved through.

In the late hours during the final day of exchange on Wednesday, the Hawks finalised a trade for Collingwood ruckman Max Lynch to join the brown and gold. 

Hawks land Lynch in last-minute move

Lynch has spent five seasons on the Magpies’ list after being drafted as a rookie in late 2016.

The Hawks also traded veteran ruckman Jon Ceglar to Geelong while unrestricted free agent Tim O’Brien was another Hawk to find a new home, heading to the Western Bulldogs.

Speaking to Continental Tyres Trade Radio at the conclusion of Wednesday night’s trade period, Hawthorn recruiting boss Mark McKenzie explained he and his team were working right until deadline to get deals across the line.  

“There were a few deals taken care of in those last moments, so it was good to get those done,” McKenzie said.

“A lot goes into these deals, these ones were talked about a bit earlier on, but they still arrived in the last hour and 45 minutes.”

McKenzie said he was thrilled to secure the services of Lynch, revealing the recruiting team has had their eye on the young ruckman since last year.

“Max has started to develop really well, especially over the last 18 months,” McKenzie said.

“The development he has shown to be able to cover the ground and his body development over time and his work at ground level, we think will be important for us.

“He’ll add to our young group and we’re really excited to get Max over to our footy club.”

As the club looks to move to the next stage in the off-season process, it currently holds Picks 5, 21 and 24 ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Draft.