Gold Coast Suns forward Ben King has reportedly informed his management of his desire to return home to Victoria at the conclusion of the 2026 season. 

King, who sits second on the Coleman Medal table, is set to nominate Hawthorn as his preferred destination, exercising his rights to explore free agency after months of speculation regarding his contract status. 

‘The Age’ sports journalist Sam McClure reported on Tuesday evening that King will reject the long-term offer that was presented to him and is expected to sign a six-year deal with the Hawks until the end of 2032. 

King’s bombshell comes as another blow for the battered Suns, who have endured eight losses in a row following a blistering start to the season where they were widely considered premiership favourites. 

The 26-year-old’s position as a restricted free agent leaves the Suns with some leverage, given their ability to match any offer for King, which would force the Hawks into making a trade. 

Given the large offer King is set to sign, the Suns could be on the receiving end of a first round compensation pick, which will boost their draft hand heading into the off-season.   

With the looming departure of Zach Merrett from Essendon, the Hawks may have their hands tied in granting their wishes to both players if Merrett nominates the brown and gold again. 

King’s backflip seemed to be looming in recent weeks following a report from Jon Ralph at Fox Footy, who understood that Gold Coast were becoming less hopeful of their star forward’s signature.

“That deal has lingered, and now that we are through the bye, Gold Coast is officially worried,” he said. 

King was prepared to stay on the Gold Coast earlier in the season on a two-year deal.

Pressure will now start to mount as the Suns will again come under fire for being unable to retain their talent as the former pick six’s departure looms. 

The forward’s arrival to Dingley will leave the Hawks with a forward half dilemma as they also look to sign in-form forward Mitch Lewis, which has left former club great Jordan Lewis questioning the club’s decision-making. 

“The one thing you don’t want to do is bring in a player for a position you already have on more money that upsets the culture of the football club,” he said. 

As the Hawks set to bolster their stocks, Damien Hardwick now faces the challenge of replacing King.

Photo: by Petra Bernsted is available HERE and used under a Creative Commons License. This image has been cropped.