Hawthorn should allow Jack Gunston and Luke Breust to explore their options if they want to continue their careers elsewhere, according to Jordan Lewis.
Gunston and Breust, who are contracted to the Hawks until the end of 2022 and 2021 respectively, both hold trade currency with the club’s ageing list set to undergo significant turnover at season’s end.
The forwards have been staples in Hawthorn’s side under Alastair Clarkson for several seasons combining for 776 goals and playing in three premierships each.
But if the pair wanted to join another club to chase more success, Lewis says Hawthorn shouldn’t stand in their way.
“I would think there has to be a conversation in what those boys (Gunston and Breust) want, and the conversation needs to be open with the club,” the four-time premiership Hawk told SEN Breakfast.
“Do the club think they will challenge in the next two-to-three years? And from the outside looking in, we don’t think that will be possible.
“So they need to give them the option to maybe explore other clubs – if they feel the need to.
“Now if they want to stay around and help rebuild this young list, that is totally fine as well. But if they want to go to another club and potentially have more success, I think they’ve earned that right.”
Hawthorn sit 16th on the ladder with just four wins all season.
More in AFL
“This time next year…”: Cornes’ bold pick for his next AFL head coach in waiting
“I think he is the most ready head coach in waiting.”