IT’S a new year and we’re pretty excited about the challenges that lie ahead for the team in 2016.

There’s sure to be plenty of talented young Hawks vying for senior berths over the next couple of months of pre-season training and NAB Challenge matches.

We’ve taken a look at 10 second-to-sixth year players who will be hoping they can push their names into the frame for regular senior selection this year.

Name: Jonathan O’Rourke
Age: 21
Guernsey: 13
Height: 184cm
Weight: 82kg
Games (2015): 2
Games (career): 11
Drafted: Pick no. 2, 2012 NAB AFL Draft

Midfielder Jonathan O’Rourke managed two senior games in his first year as a Hawk, and will be looking to add to that tally in 2016.

According to the 2015 AFL Season Guide…

Returning home to Victoria after two years with GWS, O’Rourke is a versatile midfielder who uses the ball well, can play inside and out and has a good combination of speed and endurance.

He played eight games for the Giants in 2014 and arrives at Hawthorn at the right time with a generational change through the midfield on the horizon, although competition for spots will be hot.

In 2015…

After arriving from GWS at the end of 2014, O’Rouke made his Hawks debut in Round 2, but struggled to crack into the senior side again until Round 17.

Despite only playing two AFL matches he was able to produce a consistent season with VFL affiliate Box Hill Hawks – a positive after injuries hampered his first two years at the Giants.

Building on his inside-outside mix was a focus in 2015, and something that will no doubt hold him in good stead this year.

Where would he slot in?

O’Rourke will look to be an important component of the Hawks’ midfield in 2016 and beyond.

Having learnt the Hawks’ systems through 2015, he will be in a much better position to press for a regular spot in the side’s best 22.

Pre-season update…

O’Rourke has been back at training since the end of November, starting with the club’s first-to-fourth year group.