The Hawks could be prepared to unveil as many as three debutants in its Round 1 clash with Essendon this weekend.
Hawthorn were impressive victors over North Melbourne in the AAMI Community Series and it was the impact of their young talent that was most eye catching.
Jacob Koschitzke, Tyler Brockman and Connor Downie all stood-out in the win at Arden Street and look a real chance to feature in the Hawks' season opener.
Koschitzke booted 6.3 in a dominant tall-forward display, the likes of which the Hawks have been desperate for in recent years.
That's now FIVE goals for Jacob Koschitzke 🌭
Could Kozzie be in-line for a Round One berth? #AAMISereis pic.twitter.com/RKi0cD2yA0
— AFL (@AFL) March 6, 2021
Brockman managed to kick three goals along amassing four tackles at the feet of Koschitzke, while Downie impressed with his run and grunt.
Speaking on SEN Breakfast, Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson said the youth would get their chance.
“I’d expect there to be two or three. Young Koschitzke and Brockman had 15 scoring shots between them against North Melbourne two weeks ago.
“They’re going to be right in the mix to play and for our supporters it’s really exciting because supporters haven’t seen anything of Brockman because he hasn’t been on our list and Koschitzke’s had an up and down couple of years on our list with injuries and whatnot.”
RELATED: Hawthorn's 2021 Season Preview
Clarkson says he is excited to help build the Hawks back to the success they experienced for so long under his tenure.
“That’s going to be exciting for our footy club. I think it’s a little bit of a new frontier both for our club and the competition,” he said.
The Hawks will also welcome in Tom Mitchell who is on track for Round 1 following shoulder surgery, while Chad Wingard looks set to miss the opening rounds of the season with a calf injury.
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