Gold Coast Suns Coach to Meet with Hawk Sam Butler Amid Trade Talks

Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick is set to meet with Hawthorn player Sam Butler as part of ongoing trade negotiations between the two AFL clubs. Butler, who has seen reduced playing time and fallen down the midfield hierarchy, is being considered by the Suns during this trade period.

Butler, 23, is under contract until 2027 but has had limited opportunities with Hawthorn, which reached the preliminary finals for the second consecutive season. He has played 33 games over six seasons, including all three finals in 2025. Interest from West Coast in Butler has diminished recently.

This potential transfer would add to the existing trade activities between the Suns and Hawks, as Ben King from Gold Coast has expressed a desire to join Hawthorn as an unrestricted free agent, while young player Aidan Schubert from Hawthorn is looking to move to Gold Coast following King's arrival.