Hawthorn signs Gold Coast Suns forward Ben King

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 05:24 · Archive

Gold Coast Suns forward Ben King has agreed to join Hawthorn, who will receive first-round draft compensation.

Gold Coast Suns have agreed to release forward Ben King to Hawthorn without matching the Hawks' contract offer. King, 26, played 143 games and kicked 315 goals for the Suns across six seasons. Hawthorn will receive first-round compensation in the national draft, currently at pick seven.

Hawthorn list manager Mark McKenzie said King was 'one of the AFL's premier key forwards', describing him as 'a massive addition to what we are building towards as a club'. McKenzie noted that King 'consistently hits the scoreboard as a tall target in attack with elite accuracy' and joins the Hawks 'at the peak of his powers'. Suns list manager Kall Burns thanked King for his contribution over eight years, saying 'as is Ben's right as a free agent, he has chosen to pursue other opportunities in 2027'.

The move comes as Hawthorn have already added Zach Merrett from Essendon but look likely to lose Aidan Schubert and Sam Butler to the Suns. The AFL has also approved a five-way pick trade that will likely trigger midfielder Zak Butters to Western Bulldogs.

How it is being reported

• AFL trade period: Gold Coast Suns, Hawthorn agree on Ben King moveHawthorn will possess one of the competition’s fiercest forward lines after securing Gold Coast Suns spearhead Ben King.The West Australian · 9 Oct, 05:02
• AFL trade period: Gold Coast Suns, Hawthorn agree on Ben King moveHawthorn will possess one of the competition’s fiercest forward lines after securing Gold Coast Suns spearhead Ben King.Perth Now · 9 Oct, 05:02

In this story: Ben King · Hawthorn · Gold Coast Suns · Mark McKenzie · Kall Burns · Zach Merrett · Western Bulldogs

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