Melbourne Demons top recruit Changkuoth Jiath has admitted that leaving behind his close friends and long-time mentors at the Hawthorn Hawks was "the hardest decision" he's made in his football career thus far, but conceded that a fresh start was needed to get the most out of his AFL journey.
Jiath played 76 games for the Hawks since he was drafted as a category B rookie ahead of the 2018 season, with a career-high 20 matches coming in 2025.
However, the 26-year-old spent six of those as the starting substitute, including all three of Hawthorn's September fixtures, while playing out of position throughout the year under senior coach Sam Mitchell.
His inconsistent playing time and role saw him request a trade following the club's preliminary final exit, ultimately joining the Demons for Pick 42 in the upcoming National Draft.
"[Melbourne] knew that I wanted to play football and have so much to bring. I felt like the last few years were a bit stagnant for me," Jiath told afl.com.au's Josh Gabelich.
"I played some good footy this year and felt like my best role was in the backline, which is where I played my best footy this year, and they knew that.
"They came into the office and said we would love to play you there, where you want to play. I felt the role I was playing at Hawthorn was awesome, but I needed this to get the most out of myself.
"That was the key reason to move to Melbourne."
While the arrival Demonland promises to have Jiath return to his exhilirating 2022 best, where he quickly emerged as a fan favourite among the Hawthorn faithful, the sudden departure from his long-time home is something the 26-year-old looks back on emotionally.
"I got to Bali on the Monday, the day after the meeting, and the more I realised that I would be leaving a club I have so much love for and so many memories since I was a little kid from the NGA days, I got really emotional about it," Jiath said.
"It's a massive part of life to leave behind and put a full stop on a chapter. It was very emotional.
"The trade, when it happened, didn't feel real. Hawthorn has been so good to me and helped shaped me into the player I am, so it was hard...
"It was definitely the hardest decision I've had to make given my long history with Hawthorn, close friends and relationship with Sam [Mitchell]. He has shaped me into the player I am and given me a lot of belief and confidence growing up as a young kid.
"It makes it hard. At the end of the day, you have to do what's best for your career. This move feels like that for me."
