Gold Coast forward Ben King will depart the club in the off season as a restricted free agent, with the 26-year-old widely expected to nominate Hawthorn as his club of choice.
Contract Backflip and Hawthorn Pursuit
The impending departure marks a dramatic shift for the 26-year-old key forward. King is set to backflip on an offer from the Suns just weeks after publicly declaring to media that he envisioned his long-term future in Queensland. Hawthorn is reported to have tabled a six-year contract taking King through to the end of 2032. The Melbourne-born player has booted 315 goals in 143 games for the Suns, including 71 goals in a career-best campaign last year.
Restricted Free Agency Mechanics
As a restricted free agent, King’s exit gives Gold Coast distinct options under AFL list management rules. According to the Suns’ official statement, the club retains the right to match any rival offer made to King and can force a trade, or accept a free agency compensation pick. If a rival deal generates Band One compensation, the Suns would receive Pick 7. Gold Coast confirmed in a statement that King has not yet advised Gold Coast of his desire to join a particular club.
Drivers Behind the Decision
Several factors have driven King’s change of heart amid a challenging season for the Queensland franchise. His partner is reportedly keen to return to Victoria, while the team’s on-field slide has also weighed heavily on the player. The Suns have lost eight consecutive matches and currently sit 14th on the AFL ladder. King was visibly emotional in the rooms, in tears following Gold Coast’s win over St Kilda.
Broader Movement and List Management Implications
King’s move coincides with wider player movement across the league. Zak Butters, a free agent from Port Adelaide, announced he will leave the Power when the season concludes, while veteran Jake Stringer of Greater Western Sydney also stated on Monday that family reasons are prompting his move back to Victoria. For Hawthorn, securing King creates an intriguing list management puzzle alongside existing key-position players such as Mitch Lewis, who is also out of contract. Zach Merrett of Essendon is likewise positioned favorably to secure a move to the Hawks, with another trade request anticipated following his unsuccessful bid last year.
Did you know? Ben King has kicked at least 40 goals in every completed season since 2021, cementing his status as one of the competition’s most reliable scoring threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ben King officially a Hawthorn player?
Not yet. Gold Coast confirmed King will depart, and while he is widely expected to nominate Hawthorn, the Suns retain the right to match any offer and keep him at the club or accept a free agency compensation pick based.
What compensation will Gold Coast receive?
If the rival deal for King generates Band One compensation, the Suns would receive Pick 7.
Why is Ben King leaving the Gold Coast Suns?
Factors are understood to have included his partner reportedly keen to return to Victoria and the Suns’ dramatic on-field decline.
Join the conversation
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