Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson says the shock decisions to trade Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis reflects the need to rebuild after winning four AFL premierships.
The Hawks on Tuesday granted Lewis a trade to Melbourne, who offered the 30-year-old a three-year deal after being approached by his management about a possible move.
Lewis was keen to play out his career with the Hawks but was told by Clarkson in a "difficult" post-season conversation, his spot couldn't be guaranteed beyond next year.
Clarkson on Tuesday said the Hawks' list profile meant they were unable to provide long-term security to the veteran pair.
"We put together a group of players that has produced some outstanding football and gone about their work to create one of the most exciting eras this footy club has ever seen," he told the Hawks' website.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"That can't last forever, though. At some point in time tough decisions need to be made in terms of looking to the future as well."
Like Mitchell, who was effectively traded to West Coast in exchange for pick No.88, Lewis will depart for a bargain basement deal.
The Demons will gain the 2014 All-Australian along with picks 57 and 68 in exchange for picks 48 and 66.
Clarkson said Hawthorn's list would be bolstered by the addition of former Sydney onballer Tom Mitchell and ruckman-forward Ty Vickery from Richmond.
The Hawks remain in the box seat to secure Gold Coast midfielder Jaeger O'Meara, with Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro on Tuesday saying the Bombers were unlikely to land the prized 22-year-old.
In other player movement news on the sixth day of the AFL trade period:
*Western Bulldogs premiership defender Joel Hamling was traded to Fremantle in exchange for pick 35, after he requested a move home to WA
*Brisbane midfielder Pearce Hanley joined Gold Coast in a three-way AFL trade with Port Adelaide, while Lions defender Darcy Gardiner signed a new three-year deal
*Essendon said a deal to send Michael Hibberd to Melbourne had stalled, with the Demons reluctant to part with a second-round pick in this year's draft
*Sydney ruckman Toby Nankervis was expected to seek a trade to Richmond, according to the AFL website
*Greater Western Sydney forward James Stewart requested an AFL trade to Essendon after playing just one senior game in 2016
