Hawthorn veteran Luke Breust was the subject of interest from GWS in last year’s trade period.
The Giants made a late play for the small forward and were reportedly willing to part ways with pick 13 in a potential deal.
But Breust, who is contracted until 2023, notified Hawks coach Sam Mitchell that he wanted to stay at Waverley Park.
Mitchell and Breust had an “open discussion” that led to the latter staying put.
“We had a great conversation at the end of last season,” Mitchell told Sportsday.
“He was getting offered something that was pretty good, and it was great for Hawthorn if he wanted to take it.
“We had a really open discussion. He goes, ‘I’m all in on what we’re doing coach, so I’m going to stay’.
“Obviously we’re happy to have him as always and when he produces six goals and a performance like he did on the weekend, I’m glad he made the decision that he did.”
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Breust, a three-time premiership player and dual All-Australian, is piecing together another consistent season.
The 31-year-old sharpshooter upped his season goal tally to 34 after kicking six majors in last week’s win over West Coast.
“I don’t see any slowing down in him,” Mitchell said.
“His form across the course of the season has been really strong and we’re really pleased with what he does off the field.
“He’s a fantastic mentor for some of our younger players.
“When a guy like Sam Butler turns up to the club, he has no idea how to kick a left-foot snap. You would’ve seen a Will Day left-foot snap last week. All of that comes from a Luke Breust coaching session.
“He’s a fantastic person.”
Breust has kicked 475 goals across 255 games for the Hawks.