Yeah i agree with you. But the reason was:
Hawks wanted to give back to these guys for the few years they have knocked back offers (more $$$) from rivals to stay at the club and win premerships. Accepting offers lower thrn there asking price.
They wanted to return the favor by making there exits as easy as possible.
Hawthorn most certainly wanted more for Lewis. But after the Mitchell deal thet was never going to happen.
Its an awkward situation to be in but in the end hawthorn made the right decision sticking to there word.
Nice story...pity it doesnt actually align with articles and updates coming out of Hawthorn themselves during the trade period.
Reported that Clarko approached Mitchell and Lewis independently to tell them to explore their options.
Came as a shock to Lewis, so his manager then spoke to the Dees. Melbourne were receptive.
When Slug announced he was going, Lewis was told he was a required player and Wright came out confirming he wasnt going anywhere.
But the wheels were in motion, Melbourne decided Lewis was worthy of a 3 year deal, and when Hawthorn were not prepared to extend his contract he was gone.
The Hawks didnt want to lose both of them, but had no interest in extending Lewis' contract.
So Lewis looked after himself and demanded to be traded to Melbourne.
The Hawks could hardly play hardball when it was Clarkson himself who got the ball rolling with his impromptu chat about his footballing mortality.
So end up with top2 in the BnF out the door for peanuts...complete balls up.