Hawthorn's aggressive trades of their veteran champions could construct a million-dollar war chest to attack free agency at the end of next year if Jordan Lewis is to join Sam Mitchell in leaving the Hawks.

The Hawks' decision to move on Mitchell and the looming trade of Lewis have not been a result of salary cap pressure to squeeze in new arrivals Ty Vickery, Tom Mitchell and probably Jaeger O'Meara but will instead create room for other potential recruits next year. The departure of Mitchell and Lewis will create an extra million dollars space in their cap to front-end contracts for next year and give them the scope to go after a free agent. Fremantle star Nat Fyfe and Richmond midfield champion Dustin Martin are among those who will become eligible for free agency next year. The Hawks want to reshape their list profile and in particular their midfield, mindful that four more veterans will be out of contract at the end of next year and all likely to retire.

House of Hawthorn: The Hawks are building a long-term war chest. Credit:Getty Images

Hawthorn and Melbourne met on Monday to discuss a trade for Lewis, who reiterated his desire to move to the Demons. Melbourne's original offer for Lewis last week was for pick 66. Hawthorn then said they wanted to keep the contracted player prompting the Demons to guarantee a third year and slightly more money in the contract offer to Lewis, something Hawthorn believes should be better reflected in the trade terms. With just three days left in the trade period Hawthorn's discussions with Gold Coast about Jaeger O'Meara remain tense.

Richmond are trying to work with the Suns on a deal for Dion Prestia, but discussions have not moved substantially. The Suns want Richmond's pick six but the Tigers want one of the Suns' four picks in the 20s back for that.