Shaun Burgoyne's management informed Essendon last night that Hawthorn is his preferred destination and they will now focus on working out a deal for trade week.
Essendon's management - including coach Matthew Knights and Jobe Watson - presented to Burgoyne in Melbourne last week along with the Hawks and Melbourne.
The Port Adelaide star was impressed by what the Bombers put to him - so much so that what his management had expected to be a two-day decision was drawn out to almost a week.
""We put a very good case to him and we definitely wanted him in red and black next year so, naturally, we are disappointed but he has made his decision,"" Essendon general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said today.
""Ultimately the strong Port Adelaide influence at Hawthorn was the key factor in Shaun's decision.
""Alastair Clarkson (coach), Andrew Russell (head fitness coach) and Chris Pelchen (General Manager - Player Personnel and Strategy) all have past links with Port Adelaide and that provided Shaun with a level of comfort which is understandable.
""We are still committed to being active during trade week - as we were last year - if there is a good opportunity for the club. All decisions will be made in the context of our overall list management strategy.""
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