Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson says the phase the club is currently going through is a familiar one.
Clarkson said exposure and confidence at the level would be the main focus for the Hawks' nucleus of youth.
"We've been through, in my time here, over the 15 years, two waves, of which we've risen to the top of the mountain both those times – one in 2008, and then the era from '13 to '15," Clarkson said on Friday night.
"Without a doubt we're in that transition again; to find our next wave of success for our footy club. When's that going to be? I'm not too sure.
"But in 2010, when we were debuting kids like Isaac Smith and Luke Breust and Ben Stratton and Ryan Schoenmakers and Paul Puopolo and these sorts of lads, there were a lot of scribes out there saying they're too skinny and not consistent enough.
"That's just the way of the world until they get exposure to the level enough that they build their confidence to make a contribution on a consistent basis – and that just takes some time."
"I reckon our Hawks supporters would be seeing that there are some kids there who might emerge into good players for us in the next few years," he said.
"If they go on to be really good players, then we'll give ourselves a chance to win some silverware again in the not-too-distant future."
