Ben King Backflips on Gold Coast, Signs Six-Year Deal With Hawthorn

Gold Coast Suns star Ben King has reversed course on his contract and nominated Hawthorn as his preferred destination for the 2027 AFL season, according to multiple sources. The 27-year-old forward will sign a six-year deal with the Hawks, taking him through to the end of 2032. The stunning backflip comes barely two months after King told media he loved Gold Coast and saw his future in Queensland. Hawthorn forward Mitch Lewis has also recommitted to the club on a long-term extension, setting up a formidable forward line alongside Jack Gunston.

King’s dramatic reversal after weeks of commitment

Ben King told The Age in May he intended to remain at Gold Coast and loved the club. Multiple sources with knowledge of the situation have now confirmed his position shifted significantly in recent weeks. The Suns have not yet been officially told of King’s intention to leave. Gold Coast has endured eight consecutive losses and off-field tensions recently, which may have influenced King’s decision to seek a fresh start at Hawthorn.

Mitch Lewis stays despite rival interest

Hawthorn forward Mitch Lewis has rejected interest from Collingwood and other clubs to recommit to the Hawks on a four-year extension through 2030. The 27-year-old athletic marking forward will play further up the ground under coach Sam Mitchell’s plan, allowing King to operate out of the goal square. Lewis had been linked to rival clubs partly because observers thought he might leave if Hawthorn signed King. His recommitment signals confidence in the Hawks’ forward structure.

Hawks build star-studded forward line amid crowding concerns

Hawthorn’s forward line now includes King, Lewis, and 34-year-old Jack Gunston, who signed a one-year extension to play an 18th season. Gunston has kicked 40 goals in 12 games this year, off a career-high 73 last season. Coach Sam Mitchell must now decide where to play Mabior Chol, Calsher Dear, and other backup options in what is arguably the AFL’s most stacked key forward room. The Hawks will also hunt at least one star midfielder to kick to King and Lewis, with Essendon’s Zach Merrett and Gold Coast’s Bailey Humphrey firmly in their sights.

Calsher Dear faces reduced opportunities

Young Hawthorn forward Calsher Dear, a father-son pick, has played only five AFL games in 2026 and nine VFL games this season. With King, Lewis, Gunston, and Chol ahead of him in the pecking order, Dear faces even fewer senior opportunities next year. AFL analyst Garry Lyon told SEN Breakfast that Dear would be wise to seek a trade to find more playing time elsewhere, comparing the situation to Jack Steele’s move from St Kilda to Melbourne.

Final Thoughts

King’s move reshapes the 2027 trade period and gives Hawthorn a genuine premiership forward line. The Hawks now face the challenge of managing multiple elite key forwards while hunting a midfielder to service them.

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