GWS surprised by Hill's AFL trade request 

GWS were surprised by Bobby Hill's late AFL trade request but will support the speedy forward after they flatly denied his proposed move to Essendon.

The 21-year-old will need to see out the final year of his contract at GWS after the Giants refused to negotiate with the Bombers.

Hill's management group said he was "deflated" and "upset" following the close of the trade period on Wednesday night.

Giants football boss Jason McCartney said it became too difficult to work out a deal when Hill's request was only formalised five days ago.

"Bobby's been fine at our football club, there's been no issues," McCartney said.

"This only came up last Friday and Saturday so that was the first we had heard of it and we weren't willing to do anything."

Hill, who was recruited from Perth, claimed he wanted a move to Victoria for family reasons.

His partner is due to give birth in December and the pair are expected to remain in Western Australia for an extended period.

"Depending on border restrictions, he may not return to the club until January for training," McCartney said.

"We've just appointed an Indigenous liaison officer in Malcolm Lynch and he'll play an important role."

Hill was taken by the Giants with pick 24 in the 2018 draft and has kicked 25 goals from 30 games after debuting in round 17, 2019.

GWS were key players during the trade period, but ended it with only forward Jeremy Finlayson departing to Port Adelaide.

A move to bring versatile big man Rory Lobb back to the club, three years after he left for Fremantle, fell through.

As did negotiations with Hawthorn about securing dual All-Australian Chad Wingard and veteran forward Luke Breust.

The Hawks were happy to send the pair to GWS, but both contracted players wanted to stay at Waverley Park.