NATIONAL DRAFTEES
Ryan Burton: An athletic forward in the Jack Gunston mould, Burton has put a serious knee injury behind him and has made an immediate impact at the Hawks with his fierce determination to improve and training intent.
Kieran Lovell: Looms as an AFL debutant this year after taking to training with the ease of a veteran. The 173cm Tasmanian, who has drawn comparisons with Sam Mitchell, has been a ball magnet in game-sense drills, is clean in possession and continues to improve his positioning without the ball in hand.
Blake Hardwick: Boasts an excellent understanding of the game, is neat with his skills and is hungry to improve as quickly as possible. Hardwick – who has the nickname 'Dimma' – has been impressing the Hawks with his strong attack at the footy like his namesake Damien Hardwick.
ROOKIES
Luke Surman: A back injury has restricted the 197cm rookie this pre-season, with Surman only riding the stationary bike and walking laps at training during the week. Has handled himself with maturity and looks natural leaping at the ball in the air.
Kade Stewart: Only tips the scales at about 70kg, but the Hawks love the way Stewart throws himself into the contest with scant regard for his safety. He's another left-footer at Hawthorn with superb skills who is thorough with the way he reviews his training and has quickly become popular in the group.
Conor Glass: The Northern Irishman has amazed some at the Hawks with how comfortable he has looked at the level, despite his minimal exposure to the sport. Glass' skills were an asset in Gaelic football and he has quickly transferred that to the oval ball. The 18-year-old has trained mostly in defence but could move into midfield given his awareness in traffic. Glass has returned home to finish school and will return midway through the year.
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