Ben King is on the verge of one of the most dramatic contract reversals in recent AFL history, with the Gold Coast Suns' star key forward set to turn down a lucrative long-term deal from his current club and push for a move to Hawthorn ahead of the 2027 season.
The development is a stunning turnaround given that King, 26, publicly declared just two months ago that he intended to remain in Queensland, saying he loved the club and envisioned his long-term future there. Three industry sources with knowledge of the situation — speaking on condition of anonymity as discussions remain confidential — have confirmed his position has shifted significantly in recent weeks, with Hawthorn now firmly the frontrunner to secure his signature.
King is expected to be in Melbourne this week ahead of the Suns' clash against Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. Gold Coast have not yet formally been informed of his intention to leave.
Why Ben King is Walking Away from the Suns
Several factors are understood to have driven King's change of heart. His partner is reportedly keen to return to Victoria, while Gold Coast's dramatic on-field decline has also weighed heavily on his thinking. The Suns have lost eight consecutive matches after appearing well-positioned to push for back-to-back finals appearances earlier in the season, and currently sit 14th on the ladder.
The Queensland club had remained confident of retaining King despite sustained interest from Victorian clubs, and had tabled a substantial long-term offer in a bid to keep him. The news that he now intends to leave represents a serious blow for a franchise that has long viewed him as a cornerstone of its future.
The Hawthorn Deal and What It Means
King's expected contract with Hawthorn is understood to be a six-year deal running through to the end of 2032, a significant commitment that reflects just how highly the Hawks rate him. King currently sits second in the Coleman Medal race and has kicked at least 40 goals in every completed season since 2021. Last year he reached a career-best 71 goals, cementing his status as one of the competition's most reliable scoring threats.
For Hawthorn, securing King would represent another bold statement of intent as the club — built around one of the AFL's youngest and most exciting lists under coach Sam Mitchell — pushes towards premiership contention. The Hawks are also understood to be in a strong position to land Essendon's Zach Merrett, who is again expected to request a trade to Hawthorn after a failed attempt last year. Given those concurrent pursuits, Hawthorn would prefer to land King without requiring a trade.
Restricted Free Agency Could Force a Trade
Because King is a restricted free agent, Gold Coast retain the right to match any offer and keep him at the club. However, given their slide down the ladder, the Suns may instead opt to accept first-round compensation — which, if the season concluded now, would be pick No. 6. That calculation could ultimately determine whether King moves freely or whether a trade must be negotiated.
Mitch Lewis and the List Management Puzzle
King's potential arrival at Hawthorn creates an intriguing puzzle for the club's list management team. Mitch Lewis, who reminded the competition of his class with a five-goal performance last weekend, is also out of contract and faces an uncertain future at the club. Lewis has battled injury over the past two seasons but remains a highly talented key-position forward when available.
Whether Hawthorn believe their forward line can accommodate both King and Lewis, or whether King's arrival hastens Lewis' departure, looms as one of the defining questions of the coming trade and free-agency period.
For Gold Coast, the prospect of losing a home-grown marquee player — after years of investment and months of confidence they would keep him — would be another painful retention setback for a club already enduring a difficult season.
