Alastair Clarkson believes the future is bright at the Hawthorn Football Club.
Following Friday night's win over GWS, Clarkson was extremely pleased with the group's ability to overcome challenging conditions in Canberra.
It was the young Hawks contingent that seemed to especially grab the coach's attention.
"We've just been really pleased with these young kids who are coming in and showing our supporters that the future for our footy club is bright," Clarkson said post-match.
"We adjusted tonight and played really well.
"But I think the next step is working out the method we use going forward because we think we have some exciting young personnel."
But despite his obvious optimism with the young brigade coming through, Clarkson was keen to pump the brakes on too much celebration.
"We can't get too cosy with ourselves after tonight because the reality is there's still another 10 sides above us on the ladder.
"We've been able to play some good football in September before but that's a fair while ago now.
"So, we need to build the group of players and the method required to get there so we can challenge seriously again.
"But, at the minute, we are sitting where we are on the ladder for a reason."
