Next Generation Academy prospect Irving Mosquito has spent the week at the Ricoh Centre, meeting and training with Hawthorn’s 2018 playing list. 

The 17-year-old aspiring footballer flew in from Halls Creek on Monday evening, ready for three days of intense training sessions with the club.

The highlight of the youngster’s time at Waverley? Meeting his idol, Cyril Rioli, of course. 

“I was really happy [to meet Cyril],” Mosquito said.

“[I was] bit nervous at the start, I had to look away when I saw him.

“He hooked me up with some brand new shoes from Adidas, so I was happy as.” 

Mosquito, who relocated to Briagolong (Gippsland) five years ago, has been developing his game with Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy since 2016. He is a speedy small forward who knows how to find the goals and can also rotate through the midfield. 

“I just like to put on pressure, tackle, kick goals, and sell a bit of candy,” Mosquito said.

In 2017, he averaged 10 disposals and just over a goal a game while playing as a bottom age player in the TAC Cup. 

Under the same academy rules that saw Changkuoth Jiath arrive at the club via last year’s Rookie Draft, Hawthorn will have first opportunity to bid on Mosquito during the 2018 draft period.

To learn more about the club’s Next Generation Academy, click here.