Burgoyne nominates Hawks as club of choice

PORT Adelaide's Shaun Burgoyne told the club's management that Hawthorn is his preferred club to be considered during trade negotiations on Wednesday.

Hawthorn was notified of Burgoyne's decision on Wednesday night by player manager Ben Williams.

Burgoyne met with Essendon, Melbourne and Hawthorn last week in Melbourne to hear each club's proposals before reaching his decision on Wednesday.

While the exchange period begins on 5 October, Hawthorn and Port Adelaide will now commence discussions with a view to making the trade a reality.

The Power have already indicated they’re willing to play hardball with the vice-captain, maintaining they will have the final say in deciding where Burgoyne continues his 157-game career.

On Tuesday, Port Adelaide football manager Peter Rohde told the Adelaide Advertiser the club was determined not to give Burgoyne away easily and wouldn’t trade with a particular club simply because the premiership player wanted to go there.

The Power have also indicated they won’t accept Hawthorn’s pick No.9 on its own in exchange for Burgoyne.

Port Adelaide is believed to be interested in Hawthorn tough nut Jordan Lewis, but it appears unlikely the reigning premiers will trade the 23-year-old.