Of the 22 that helped Hawthorn clinch a top four spot with the win over Sydney in Round 23, eight are yet to feature in any September action.

Given that the pressure and intensity of that game was regarded as finals-like, it is impressive to consider how well some of these young Hawks stood up given their lack of experience.

Jaeger O'Meara, Kaiden Brand, Blake Hardwick, Teia Miles, David Mirra, Harry Morrison, Conor Nash and James Worpel are the eight Hawks names all yet to play finals footy.

Three of these players made up the Hawks’ top nine disposal-getters in the victory over the Swans, further justifying their readiness for the next step that the game has to offer. 

These young Hawks are also well supported by senior players who have an abundance of September experience.

None more so than Shaun Burgoyne, the most experienced finals player in the competition and second-most of all-time with 33 outings.

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Between the six-man group of Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo, Isaac Smith, Ben Stratton and Liam Shiels and Luke Breust is another 107 finals games.

It is a fascinating position that the Hawks currently find themselves in, with their 22 to face Richmond seemingly made up of either finals novices or those with a wealth of experience. 

Ultimately, it has been a reality of Hawthorn’s season.

A year that was touted by many as a year of transition and resetting has instead seen the baton change hands much more quickly than anyone could have expected.

The new age of finals-hungry Hawks is already upon us.