Hawthorn is closing in on a bumper new deal for star defender James Sicily.
Sicily, a free agent this year, is expected to confirm the signing of a long-term contract with the Hawks well before seasons end.
The 27-year-old has roared back to form and is in early All-Australian contention after returning from a knee reconstruction that wiped out the second half of his 2020 season and his entire 2021 campaign.
Sources said Sicily had attracted the interest of Collingwood while he weighed up his future, with industry insiders declaring the market for intercept defenders as hot as any position on the ground.
Like Sicily, Gunston has returned from injury to add class to Sam Mitchell’s attacking half.
But Gunston and the Hawks have agreed to park talks on a new deal until the middle of the year.
Hawthorn is naturally reluctant to cough up a new deal after Round 6 for a player coming off two back operations at 30, while Gunston is also happy to adopt a wait and see approach at a club that has undergone so much change.
The triple premiership player, All-Australian and best and fairest has regularly attracted rival interest.