Carlton midfielder George Hewett is reportedly harbouring “frustrations” over losing his spot in Michael Voss’ side, and it’s led to trade noise.
That’s according to Seven’s Mitch Cleary, who says those feelings could possibly lead to Hewett exploring a move elsewhere.
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The out-of-favour 30-year-old hasn’t been seen at senior level since the Blues’ Good Friday loss to North Melbourne in Round 4, dropped by the match committee for a refreshed midfield look.
Hewett, who claimed the Blues’ best-and-fairest just last year, is contracted through the end of next season, but that might not matter if he desires a fresh start in October.
“I reckon this guy would be seat 1A if that (a mid-season trade period) was to occur this year,” Cleary said on Seven.
“There are growing frustrations around George Hewett as to potentially seeking a move out of Carlton if this continues.
“Essentially, they’ve picked Adam Cerra over George Hewett.”
In four games this year, Hewett has averaged 20.5 disposals per game – down from 28.1 last season – including a 23-disposal, one-goal outing in Carlton’s Round 1 win over Richmond.
He’s played 206 games, including 81 at the Blues since crossing over from Sydney at the end of 2021.
HAWKS ‘MOVING ON’ FROM BUTTERS CHASE
Hawthorn has “essentially moved on” from a pursuit of premier free agent Zak Butters.
That’s according to Seven’s Tom Morris, who reports that while the Hawks would formally say they haven’t dropped out, they are targeting other players this year.
He named a Suns livewire who was in Hawthorn’s sights – and who met with coach Sam Mitchell – last year as one of those potential targets.
“We know Geelong is into (Butters), we know Collingwood is into him, we know the Bulldogs are very much keen on him — Hawthorn will say officially they’re in the hunt, but I think they’ve essentially moved on,” Morris said on Seven.
“I think they’re looking at other targets like Bailey Humphrey and other midfielders as well.
“I think they understand that he’s going to cost a lot via trade, cost a lot financially, and it’s going to be a bit of a debacle if they try to do that, a bit like the Zach Merrett thing last year.
“So, yes, if Butters went to them and said ‘I want to play at Hawthorn’, they’d consider it, but I think they’ve diverted their eyes elsewhere.”
Mitch Cleary added: “Dogs (are) well ahead in the Butters race, I reckon.”
The news comes after Fox Footy’s Jay Clark revealed that Essendon would also not be in the race for Butters, as they pursue out-of-contract Brisbane star Zac Bailey.
This article originally appeared on Fox Sports and was reproduced with permission.
Originally published as Carlton star wants out, Zak Butters race update
