GOLD Coast's all-time leading goalkicker Ben King's move to Hawthorn is a step closer after the Hawks lodged free agency paperwork on Tuesday.
AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey is reporting the Hawks have lodged their offer for King, which means the Suns now have three days to decide if they will match the offer and force a trade, or take the compensation pick from the AFL, which is expected to be pick 7.
King, a restricted free agent, is moving on a seven-year deal to the end of 2034 worth more than $9 million across its life span.
The news comes as the Suns met with young Hawks forward Aidan Schubert, who is considering a trade north.
The Suns and Hawks are now expected to continue negotiations factoring in all moves between the two clubs, which will instruct whether or not the Suns match the King deal, or let him leave and accept the compensation pick.
King has kicked 315 goals for the Suns, including 60 this year after a career-best 71 in 2025.
The Hawks will hope the Sandringham product can slip seamlessly into their forward line alongside Jack Gunston and Mitch Lewis, with Nick Watson running around at the tall timber's feet.