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Explore the latest developments concerning Ben King set.

Ben King set to leave the Suns for Hawks in a stunning about-face

Ben King is poised to complete one of the most dramatic contract backflips in recent AFL history, with the Gold Coast spearhead set to reject the Suns’ lucrative long-term offer and instead nominate Hawthorn as his preferred destination for 2027.

The stunning change of heart comes barely two months after King told The Age he intended to remain on the Gold Coast, insisting he loved the club and saw his future in Queensland.

But three industry sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity because discussions remain confidential, have confirmed King’s position has shifted significantly in recent weeks, with Hawthorn now firmly in the box seat to secure one of the competition’s premier key forwards.

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Hawthorn has been flagged as a potential destination for Gold Coast spearhead Ben King if he decides to leave the Suns, but does the move actually make sense for the Hawks? Tall forward Mitch Lewis put together one of his best games for the club against Richmond, dominating in the front half with five first half goals in what was a scintillating display. Lewis has formed a dangerous three-pronged attack with veteran Jack Gunston and the exciting Mabior Chol this year, while youngsters Calsher Dear and Aidan Schubert are also waiting in the wings for an opportunity. So, will targeting King upset the apple cart if it means Lewis explores his options as an unrestricted free agent? Or does Sam Mitchell think King could be the long-term replacement for Gunston? On one hand, adding a player who is currently second in the race for the Coleman Medal would be a huge boost, but perhaps Lewis, a player who's already entrenched in the system and is putting together one of his best injury-free seasons, might also be a reasonable option. Only time will tell, but the King-Lewis storyline looms as a fascinating watch throughout the rest of the season as Hawthorn gears up for another September campaign and busy trade period. – Dylan Bolch

‘Do I need to get involved?’ Hawks coach addresses star’s future as great fires trade warning

Hawthorn legend Jordan Lewis has cautioned his former club that signing Ben King could disrupt culture as the Hawks also look to lock away Mitch Lewis.

Lewis is coming off a season-best five goal performance against Richmond to take his season tally to 30 majors from a career-best 18 games after a wretched run of injury since being drafted in 2016.

There’s been talk that if the Hawks do in fact land Suns free agent King on a lucrative deal, that could cause Lewis to depart Hawthorn.

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