Hawthorn are set to unveil debutant Changkuoth Jiath for Friday night's clash against GWS in Canberra.

Jiath joined the club via the 2017 Rookie Draft after getting developed through the Next Generation Academy.

The 20-year was thrilled to get his opportunity to don the gold and brown jersey.

“I’m a bit rattled at the moment,” Jiath told the club website.

“I don’t want to think right now, it feels like I’m day dreaming.

“I’m just trying to soak it all in.

“I kind of had a little inkling that I might debut sometime soon, but I wasn’t rushed. I was trying to be patient, and I was willing to take as long as needed to develop my game and confidence.”

Jiath endured an injury-riddled 2018 campaign but finished the season with a VFL premiership.

He has enjoyed an impressive 2019 season in defence and finally gets his opportunity at senior level after a strong vein of form.

Jiath recalls the moment coach Alastair Clarkson delivered the good news to him on Wednesday morning.

“I was in the locker room… and our physio came in and said Clarko wants to see you, you’re in trouble,” Jiath recalls.

“I’m thinking, I haven’t done anything, surely I’m not in trouble.

“So I was a bit nervous going into his office.

“But as soon as I walked in he goes, ‘congrats mate, you’re making your debut’.

“At that moment, my heart just started beating really fast. It was a great feeling.”