FLYNN Perez has secured a second chance in the AFL at Hawthorn more than two years after being delisted by North Melbourne.

The 24-year-old has been added to the rookie list at the Kennedy Community Centre ahead of the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) deadline on Monday.

Perez was invited to trial at the Hawks in December after helping Sturt win the premiership in the SANFL last year.

The rebounding defender played 24 games across four seasons at Arden Street, but was hampered by two knee reconstructions during his first stint in the AFL.

Perez then relocated to South Australia to join Sturt ahead of 2024 and put himself back on the radar of AFL clubs in 2025, earning state selection before impressing with two big performances in the finals.

After impressing across December and January, Perez played against Geelong in a practice match late last month and stood out with his ball use off half-back.

The Bendigo Pioneers product attracted interest from other clubs across the SSP, but is now back in the AFL system for the first time since 2023.

00:43

‘One way to put your name up in lights’: Perez pizazz

Former Roo and Hawthorn SSP hopeful Flynn Perez launches an absolute ripper from outside 50

Published on Feb 16, 2026

Hawthorn has informed Werribee midfielder Jack Riding and Box Hill wingman Ethan Stanley that they won’t be offered contracts with the club at this time.

The Hawks have opted to hold the last spot on the list open ahead of the Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

2026 SSP signings*

Carlton - Wade Derksen, Elijah Hollands
Fremantle - Mason Cox, Chris Scerri
Greater Western Sydney - Jayden Laverde
Hawthorn - Flynn Perez
Melbourne - Paddy Cross
North Melbourne - Tom Blamires
Port Adelaide - Balyn O'Brien, Mitch Zadow
West Coast - Finlay Macrae, Milan Murdock, Deven Robertson, Harry Schoenberg
Western Bulldogs - Will Lewis

* signing deadline Mon Mar 2