Feted free agent James Frawley is set to join reigning AFL premiers Hawthorn.

Frawley confirmed on Wednesday he was leaving Melbourne, having put contract talks on hold in January.

The free agency window opens on Friday, with Frawley set to join the back-to-back premiers on a lucrative deal.

Geelong were considered the early frontrunners for Frawley’s services, but instead they have lured retired Demon Mitch Clark to the Cattery.

Given the departure of Lance Franklin, the Hawks have enough salary cap space to accommodate Frawley.

The 26-year-old had an inconsistent season this year as speculation about his future swirled, but the swingman’s potential is underlined by the fact he was named in the 2010 All Australian side.

Frawley is expected to reinforce Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson’s defensive stocks, joining veterans Brian Lake and Josh Gibson in the back line.

Lake, who has won a flag in each of his two years at Hawthorn, signed a one-year contract extension for 2015 on Thursday.

“Brian has contributed exactly what we wanted over the past two years, and has finished this season in good form,” Hawthorn recruiting and list manager Graham Wright said.

Clarkson reaffirmed the Hawks’ interest in Frawley on Wednesday.

Demons coach Paul Roos was one of many to lament the fact that free agents were always going to join powerhouses instead of pauper clubs.

“Free agency is the greatest de-equalisation policy we’ve had in the last 100 years of footy,” Roos said.

“Probably about five years ago we had as even a competition as what we’d ever seen.

“Now we’ve got another factor that’s been introduced which is clearly going to benefit the top clubs.”