Breakout backman Changkuoth Jiath has inked an agreement to remain with the Hawthorn Football Club until the cessation of the 2024 season.
The 22-year-old's two-year extension comes fresh off the back of the Hawk's announcing that fellow defenders Denver Grainger-Barras and Jack Scrimshaw would also stay on in brown and gold.
After entering the 2021 season with seven appearances under his belt, Jiath lit up the early stages of the season before completing his 16 game campaign with averages of 20.3 disposals, 5.8 marks and 2.4 intercept marks per game.
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Such was the strength of the dashing defender's season, Jiath rang in the new year with a place in the 22under22 representative team, as well as a top 10 finish in the Peter Crimmins Medal.
The Ethiopian-born excitement machine's rise from the fringes was also capped by claiming the Hawk's Most Promising Player Award in Alastair Clarkson's final season at the helm.
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Speaking via a prepared statement, Hawthorn's National Recruiting & List Manager Mark McKenzie was overjoyed to have retained the fan favourite oft referred to as 'CJ'.
โCJ showed some really impressive form last year and has emerged as one of our most promising players," McKenzie said.
"He took his progression to the next level in 2021, with his commitment to his craft really shining through.
"He possesses great athleticism and speed, while demonstrating a real willingness to take the game on.
โHe also plays a massive role within the culture of our club, he is well-respected amongst his peers, the broader playing group and coaches."
With Jiath, Grainger-Barras and Scrimshaw now secured, Sam Mitchell's defense appears to be their most future-proof line.
Add in the imminent return of Will Day, along with Blake Hardwick's brilliant form behind the ball last season, and McKenzie believed Hawthorn's backline was committed to succeeding.
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โWeโre delighted to have extended the contracts of these three exciting young players," McKenzie added.
"We believe it delivers an extremely strong message of commitment to the club and our aspirations for success.
โThey're all high quality characters and as a club weโre excited, as I'm sure our members are too, to see what they can produce over the coming years."
Jiath and the Hawks are set to face both Collingwood and Richmond in pre-season clashes across the next month before their season proper commences on Sunday, March 20 against historic rivals North Melbourne.
