Hawks set their sights on Judd
28 July 2004 Herald Sun
HAWTHORN is making an audacious play for West Coast wonder kid Chris Judd.
The Eagles have already rejected an unofficial trade offer, but the bottom-of-the-table Hawks are refusing to give up the chase.
It's understood they have offered the Eagles their priority draft choice -- most likely first overall in the 2004 national draft -- as well as two players for the 21-year-old superstar.
They hope to sway the Eagles to use the No. 1 pick to grab local star-in-waiting Lance Franklin, a 193cm key forward.
The players linked to a possible deal are Hawks full-back Jonathan Hay and small forward Mark Williams, both West Australians.
Melbourne clubs anticipate Judd returning home and already are juggling their salary cap for a tilt at one of, if not the, most exciting player in the competition.
The Hawks believe they can convince West Coast to trade Judd at the end of this year to avoid a possible Nick Stevens situation at the end of 2005.
The Hawks have embarked on a 3-5 year rebuilding program and want Judd, with No. 1 draft pick Luke Hodge, as the pillars on which the team could be built.
Franklin, who represented Western Australia in the recent national under-18 championships, is tipped to go top three at the draft.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10267198%255E20322,00.html