AFL trade period: Gold Coast Suns, Hawthorn agree on Ben King move

Gold Coast Suns opted against matching Hawthorn’s contract offer for superstar forward Ben King.

The Suns will receive first-round compensation in the national draft, currently at pick seven.

King played 143 games and kicked 315 goals for the Suns across six seasons in the Sunshine State.

Hawthorn list manager Mark McKenzie said King was “one of the AFL’s premier key forwards”.

“We welcome Ben to Hawthorn, he’s a massive addition to what we are building towards as a club,” McKenzie said.

“Over a number of seasons, Ben has proven himself to be one of the AFL’s premier key forwards, consistently hitting the scoreboard as a tall target in attack with elite accuracy.

“At 26, Ben joins the Hawks at the peak of his powers with his strong attributes further enhancing what our exciting forward line looks like in 2027 and beyond.

“While Ben is clearly a highly talented individual, he’s also a person of high character who we know will make an immediate impact within our program.”

The Hawks have already added Zach Merrett from Essendon but look likely to lose Aidan Schubert and Sam Butler to the Suns.

Gold Coast Suns list manager Kall Burns thanked King for his contribution.

“As is Ben’s right as a free agent, he has chosen to pursue other opportunities in 2027,” Burns said.

“Ben has been a dedicated and valued contributor to our football club for the past eight years.

“We would like to thank him for all he has given to our football club and wish him all the best in this next stage of his career.”

The AFL has also approved a five-way pick trade that will likely trigger Zak Butters to get to Western Bulldogs.