Hawks in O'Keefe box seat
08/10/2008 7:19 PM
Hawthorn still remains the favourite to secure the biggest name on offer in this year's trade period - disgruntled Swans' forward Ryan O'Keefe - even though no deal has yet been concluded with Friday's 2pm deadline fast approaching.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson flew to Sydney to meet O'Keefe on Wednesday as the Hawks formally put a three year offer to the star forward, who turns 28 in January.
It is believed O'Keefe - who finished fifth in the Swans' best and fairest this season and was nominated for the All-Australian team as well as finishing equal second in the 2006 best and fairest - will have to accept a pay cut if he decides to return to his native Victoria and play for the Hawks.
O'Keefe rejected a new three year deal with the Swans - believed to be worth around $450,000 a season - but the 2008 premier can only afford to offer O'Keefe around $400,000 per season due to their tight salary cap given the number of star players already on their list.
Even if O'Keefe accepts the Hawks' offer, the premiers still have to satisfy the Swans with a suitable trade deal and that means surrendering their first round pick - selection number 16 overall.
If that happens the Swans may then on-trade that pick to Melbourne in exchange for disgruntled midfielder Brad Green, who is desperate to seek a move elsewhere after the Demons' disastrous season.
However the 27-year-old, who finished third in Melbourne's best and fairest this season and has played 186 games, is also likely to have to take a pay cut if he decides to join the Swans given he is believed to be one of the Demons' highest paid players.