With multiple debutants unveiled this season, Hawthorn was one of the leading clubs to have the most youngsters breakthrough for their first game in 2021.
The Hawks unleashed eight new faces, the second most of any AFL team this year.
The array of new talent has provided Hawks fans with much to look forward to in 2022, with the likes of Changkuoth Jiath, Dylan Moore, Jacob Koschitzke and mid-season recruit Lachie Bramble all excelling in their given opportunities.
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Hawthorn sits equal with Adelaide in terms of fresh faces debuting this year, and just below Collingwood who had nine.
Tyler Brockman, Connor Downie, Emerson Jeka, Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe and Denver Grainger-Barras where among the other brown and gold debutants in 2021 – making it the most the Hawks have unearthed since 2005, in which they had 10.
Here's a breakdown of the Hawks debutants and how they performed in 2021.
Jacob Koschitzke
Koschitzke secured himself a spot in Hawthorn’s senior side in his third year on the list.
Since debuting in Round 1, Koschitzke has become a staple in the forward-line, averaging more than a goal per game from his 20 outings this year.
The 21-year-old, who was taken as pick 52 in the 2018 AFL Draft, has kicked a total of 27 goals this season, six behind the club's leading goalkicker Luke Breust.
Standing at 196cm and 94kg, Koschitzke has demonstrated the athletic attributes to thrive at senior level during his break-out year, taking more marks inside forward 50 than any other Hawk in 2021.
His best game to date came against Adelaide in Round 6, where he produced a five-goal and 14 disposal performance that saw him earn a NAB Rising Star nomination.
Earlier this year, it was announced that the youngster had signed a contract extension with the club, committing to the brown and gold until at least the end of 2023.
Lachlan Bramble
Bramble arrived during the pre-season supplementary selection period in March off the back of an outstanding summer with Box Hill.
The 23-year-old earned a spot in the senior side on 10 occasions this season, with his speed, power and versatility proving particularly impressive.
After making his debut against Essendon in Round 14, Bramble has played every game since, solidifying his spot in the team.
He has averaged 18.3 disposals this season and hit a special milestone in Round 22 when he kicked his first AFL goal.
The talented youngster's career-best performance came in Round 17 against Fremantle where he recorded 27 disposals including 18 kicks and nine handballs.
Tyler Brockman
The 18-year-old made his debut in Round 1 against the Bombers – instantly impressing as he kicked two majors in his first game.
Brockman, who was taken as Pick 46 in the 2020 AFL Draft, has finished the season strong, playing every game since Round 17.
In the final game of the season, Brockman was a late inclusion and finished with a career-high three goals.
Emerson Jeka
The tall forward demonstrated rapid development in 2021 as he become one of the most in-form players in the VFL competition.
The second-year Hawk, who arrived at the club in 2019 following the Rookie Draft, earned his call up in the senior side in Round 6 following a string of blistering performances for Box Hill.
On the back of four senior games this year, the 19-year-old will be hoping to continue to hone his craft in 2022 and provide a presence up forward on a more consistent basis.
Ned Reeves
Reeves continued to show strong signs of growth in his first season in the senior side, after honing his skills in the VFL for the past two years.
The 22-year-old was called up after strong performances for Box Hill, where he was considered one of the most in-form ruckmen in the VFL competition.
Reeves, who stands at 208cm tall, made his debut in Round 10 against Carlton – becoming Hawthorn's tallest ever player – and signed a two-year contract extension with the club earlier this year.
Jai Newcombe
Catching the eye of recruiters, Newcombe was selected with Pick 2 in the 2021 mid-season draft after an impressive campaign with Box Hill in the first half of the 2021 VFL season.
The following week, the 20-year-old made his AFL debut in Round 13 against Sydney, setting an AFL record for the most tackles in a debut match, finishing with 14.
He has played a total of seven games this season, including four consecutive games following his debut, averaging 8.9 disposals and 5.6 tackles across his seven appearances in 2021.
Denver Grainger-Barras
Grainger-Barras showed glimpses of a promising key figure in the Hawks’ defensive stocks after making his debut in Round 15.
A former product of the Swans Districts, the 19-year-old joined the club after being taken with Pick 6 in the 2020 AFL Draft.
Standing at 195cm tall, the talented youngster has shown strengths with his intercept marking and ability to read the play over the five senior games he has played this season.
Connor Downie
Downie was first named in the side for the Hawks' season opener against Essendon, but was unused as the medical sub.
The exciting young defender received another opportunity to play on the big stage in Round 22.
Even though it was technically the 19-year-old's second AFL game, it was his first time playing on the field.
The 185cm talent, who was taken with Pick 35 in the 2020 AFL Draft, finished with 12 disposals and two marks, running at 100 per cent efficiency.
