Hawthorn will welcome highly respected assistant Daniel Giansiracusa as the new development coach after he departed Essendon.
Giansiracusa spent five seasons with the Bombers, starting with the backline before moving into the midfield.
"Daniel's role as Head of Development will be a very influential part of our team next year and beyond," Hawthorn EGM of Football Rob McCartney said.
"One of his obvious strengths is building great relationships with his players. He not only has a clear understanding of the development needs, but also has a proven ability to design and lead programs that will make our players better.
"Daniel brings a breadth of experience and knowledge, not dissimilar to when Sam Mitchell held the role as Head of Development as an aspiring AFL Senior Coach.
"We're really excited to welcome Daniel and his family to Hawthorn. He's a high-calibre person who will bring many strengths to our club."
He was also named the AFL Coaches Association's Assistant Coach of the Year in 2020, and looked after the Footscray Bulldogs in 2019.
It follows a 14-year playing career at the Western Bulldogs, featuring in 265 games and slotting 331 goals.
Collingwood had previously looked into the former Bulldog to replace Scott Selwood.
Hawthorn's appointment of Giansiracusa is intriguing, given the strong links to Essendon captain Zach Merrett.
Merrett acknowledged the midfield coach's influence at Thursday's best and fairest count.
"To Gia, your guidance has been profound," the six-time Crichton medallist said.
"I look forward to you one day being a senior coach, and I can say, I worked with him closely. You're a star."
