Sydney has expressed interest in Hawthorn’s key defender, Sam Frost. The 31-year-old triggered a one-year extension earlier this season, but with West Coast star Tom Barrass and unrestricted free agent Josh Battle both set to join the Hawks in October, competition for spots will increase.
Hawthorn has assured Frost of a place in Sam Mitchell’s backline for 2025, though he will face stiff competition with James Blanck returning from a knee reconstruction.
After the Western Bulldogs eliminated him in the elimination round, Frost suffered a stress fracture to his foot, which ended his stellar 2024 season.
Frost played 21 games in three seasons at Greater Western Sydney to begin his career. Since then, he has played 70 games for Melbourne and 90 games for Hawthorn. He turned thirty-one this past month, but he still has the stamina and skill to play in the AFL for a few more years.
Sydney brought in Joel Hamling last October for defensive depth, but he has primarily been used as a forward in the VFL. Meanwhile, former top-10 pick Aaron Francis is the next option in defense when Tom McCartin or Dane Rampe are unavailable.
St Kilda is also reportedly interested in Frost as they look to replace Battle.
