How Hawthorn Traded for Success

Hawthorn completed their three-peat on Saturday to become one of the greatest team of all time but how much do they owe their success to trading and free agency?

Of the 22 players playing in Hawthorn's Grand Final winning team 7 players had come off the back of trading and free agency.

At the end of 2009 after having a mediocre year following their 2008 success Hawthorn made some major acquisitions on the trade table that would prove vital in their future success.

In 2009 Hawthorn traded picks 25 and 41 for North Melbourne player Josh Gibson and pick 69. At the same time Hawthorn was also involved in a 4 way trade to obtain Port Adelaide star Shaun Burgoyne. These two players became crucial cogs in Hawthorn's attacking defence that has lead them to 4 grand finals in a row, and the almighty three peat. 

However, it didn't end there.

In 2010 Hawthorn traded for North Melbourne ruckman/forward David Hale.

In 2011 they picked up young up and coming Adelaide forward Jack Gunston who has fast become Hawthorn's leading forward in the absence of the departed Lance Franklin.

In 2012 they obtained the much sort after Free Agent Brian Lake with a contract well below market value. Lake went on to win the 2013 Norm Smith Medal kick starting Hawthorn's three-peat.

In 2013 Hawthorn traded in another ruckman from St Kilda "Big Boy" Ben McEvoy.

And, most recently obtained the services of key defender James Frawley from Melbourne as a Free Agent.

All these players have become vital cogs of Hawthorn's success and have justified Hawthorn's decision to trade and use free agency over focusing heavily on the draft. Luckily for Hawthorn they have managed to obtain good players in the draft as well despite lacking high quality picks.

There have been many other players used by Hawthorn over the last few years that were traded into the club and further goes to show top draft picks aren't the only thing that can find you success in the AFL.