The Gold Coast SUNS have secured Hawthorn midfielder Mitch Hallahan on the final day of the AFL Exchange Period.

List & Strategy Manager, Scott Clayton, confirmed the GC SUNS targeted the solidly-built midfielder who was contracted for another season with the Hawks.

“We are really pleased that Mitch has agreed to join the Gold Coast SUNS.

“He was a player we identified who would be extremely beneficial to our group, adding a strongly-built, hard, inside midfielder, who is an outstanding clearance player to our team,” Clayton said.

The GC SUNS exchanged selections 47 & 49, to secure Hallahan as a SUNS player.

Hallahan, 22, won the J.J. Liston Trophy as the VFL’s best and fairest player in 2013, and after a long apprenticeship he made his senior debut in Round five this season. He played six games between rounds five and 11, including a 25-disposal performance against the Swans in round eight. He also managed to reach 20 touches against fellow finalists Richmond and Port Adelaide.

Hallahan has also been a key player for Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate Box Hill, consistently named amongst its best, and was pivotal in the team’s finals campaigns over the last two seasons.