Hawthorn’s reported $4 million offer for GWS defender Harry Perryman might not be enough to secure the highly sought-after player, with Port Adelaide emerging as the frontrunner in the race for his signature.

Perryman, a 25-year-old unrestricted free agent, has attracted significant interest from several clubs including Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, Adelaide, and Essendon. His status as an Academy graduate means the Giants could receive valuable draft compensation if he opts to leave.

The Hawks have been proactive in their pursuit of Perryman, reportedly offering a lucrative five-year deal worth approximately $800,000 per season. They have deployed a delegation including coach Sam Mitchell, recruiter Jarryd Roughead, and forward Dylan Moore to meet with Perryman, underscoring their keenness to add him to their roster.

However, despite Hawthorn’s efforts, Port Adelaide appears to have positioned themselves ahead in the race. According to Mitch Cleary from 7 News, Port Adelaide is seen as the leading contender for Perryman’s services. Cleary noted on the Tradies Podcast that while Hawthorn might be offering substantial money, their focus could potentially shift towards securing St Kilda’s Josh Battle instead.

“I’d have Port ahead of the Hawks at the moment in that race,” Cleary stated, highlighting Port Adelaide’s strong position in negotiations. “With Hawthorn, it feels like the money is more there for Battle… I don’t think the Hawthorn offer is as significant as ($4 million over five years), but they’re definitely in the mix.”

Port Adelaide’s interest in Perryman comes after missing out on other free agency targets earlier in the season. Despite this, the club remains active in the market, also eyeing Gold Coast forward Ben Ainsworth, a restricted free agent. Their strategy could be bolstered by not needing to surrender draft capital due to their current draft pick situation.

As negotiations progress, the outcome remains uncertain. Should Perryman choose Port Adelaide, it would mark a significant acquisition for the club, adding depth and skill to their defensive lineup. For Hawthorn, the potential loss of Perryman could prompt a recalibration of their offseason plans, focusing on securing alternative targets like Josh Battle.

With the AFL trade period looming, the race for Perryman’s signature underscores the competitive nature of player recruitment in the league. Both Hawthorn and Port Adelaide face crucial decisions that could impact their respective rosters for the upcoming season. As Perryman weighs his options, the final decision could hinge on factors beyond financial offers, including playing opportunities, team dynamics, and long-term career prospects.

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