Updated July 22, 2026 – 5:56 p.m.first published July 21, 2026 – 8:25 pm
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Mitch Lewis will line up alongside Ben King in brown and gold next year, which will dampen interest from other clubs in re-signing to Hawthorn, despite the arrival of another key striker.
Clubs such as Collingwood hoped that Hawthorn’s pursuit of King might persuade Lewis to go to his head with rival offers. But two competition sources familiar with the situation confirmed on condition of anonymity that the 27-year-old had told the club he would remain with the two sides as he put the finishing touches on a long-term deal.
Not going anywhere: Mitch Lewis intends to stay at Hawthorne.Getty Images
Hawthorn believe Lewis, an athletic standout forward, can play further up the court, allowing King to get out of the crease. The Hawks’ forward line will also include Jack Gunston for at least another season after the evergreen 34-year-old accepted a one-year deal. He has scored 40 goals in 12 games this season, compared to a career-high 73 goals last year.
Sam Mitchell and his team will now work to lure at least one star midfielder from the opposition team to strike against King and Lewis, with Essendon’s Zac Merrett and Gold Coast’s Bailey Humphrey firmly on their radar.
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Merrett will almost certainly get his wish a second time – unless the Bombers play a tough game again – while Humphrey’s signing is also being actively pursued by Stephen King and the Demons.
Lewis’ recommitment comes as Ben King prepares to complete one of the most dramatic contract coups in recent AFL history, with the Suns’ frontline set to reject their lucrative long-term offer and instead make Hawthorn his preferred destination for 2027.
A stunning change of heart occurred just two months after King told Age he intended to remain on the Gold Coast, insisting he loved the club and saw his future in Queensland.
Ben King wants to play for Hawthorn next season. AFL photo
But three industry sources, speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions remain confidential, confirmed King’s position has changed significantly in recent weeks, with Hawthorn now firmly in the box seat to secure one of the tournament’s key strikers.
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King’s contract with Hawthorn is expected to run for six years until the end of 2032.
Gold Coast has yet to officially announce its intention to leave. King will be in Melbourne this week ahead of the Suns’ match against Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
The decision was a bitter blow for the Suns, who were confident they would keep the 26-year-old despite strong Victorian interest.
Several factors contributed to King’s dramatic change in position.
His partner is keen to return home to Victoria, while Gold Coast’s worrying fall on the pitch has also weighed heavily on him. The Suns have lost eight straight games after being in a good position to compete for a second straight finals earlier this season.
King’s own form only increased his value.
The powerful key forward is second in the Coleman Medal race and has established himself as one of the AFL’s most reliable keepers, scoring at least 40 goals in every completed season since 2021. He had the best season of his career last year, scoring 71 goals, highlighting why Hawthorn were prepared to pursue his signature aggressively.
How the trading period will unfold remains to be determined.
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Since King is a restricted free agent, Gold Coast has the right to match the offer and force a trade. But given the Suns’ catastrophic decline in form, which has now left them 14th in the league table, the Queensland club may decide to accept a first-round refund, which would be a No. 6 pick if the season were to end now.
The Hawks would prefer to get King without a trade given they are also in the box for Merrett, who will again ask for a move to Hawthorn despite failing to make an attempt last year.
For the Hawks, the acquisition of King will be another significant statement of intent as the club continues to build a roster capable of challenging for a premiership in the coming years.
The Hawks have invested heavily in building one of the AFL’s youngest and brightest squads under Mitchell and the addition of a proven goal-kicking machine entering the prime of his career would greatly bolster their premiership position.
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The Suns have long viewed King as a cornerstone of their future, but after months of being confident they would secure his signature, they now face the prospect of seeing one of the elite competition’s key forwards walk out the door.
If it leads to a move, King’s decision would be one of the most unusual contract changes in recent AFL history – with a player who just weeks ago expected to stay now preparing to head home to Victoria and change the landscape of the upcoming trade period.
King management has been contacted for comment.
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Sam McClure is an award-winning journalist and AFL broadcaster.Connect via X or e-mail.