More than once this year, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has said that 2018 is pretty much about the journey to winning what he calls "the next piece of silverware", whenever that might be.

So, while the easy takeaway from Sunday's 72-point win over Carlton at Etihad Stadium was that the Hawks are back in the eight with a gain of four per cent – enough to replace Geelong in the eight – what delighted the coach the most was that he might have found a player who will certainly help them along that 14th premiership-seeking journey.

Read: Match report - Hawks v Giants

His name is James Worpel and he put in a slashing display against the Blues, winning 32 possessions – 14 of them contested – in just his fourth game for the club.

The first-year midfielder, taken with the 45th selection at last year's NAB AFL Draft, showed he belongs at the level and he proved a more than handy replacement for star onballer Jaeger O'Meara, who was a late withdrawal with a hip complaint.

The Hawks have not had a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination so far this year, mildly surprising given how solid Harry Morrison has been, but in one afternoon Worpel, the former Geelong Falcon might have stolen a march.

"Games like that are important to get the four points and some percentage as it turned out, but we're still trying to find that group of players to help us get back up the ladder and challenge in the next couple of years," Clarkson said.

"That's why it was pleasing that someone like Worpel did well for us today."

Paul Puopolo's four goals were also notable. The 30-year-old's future has been questioned in some circles, but he earned praise from the coach after one of his best games for some time.

"A bit like Shaun Burgoyne in the latter stages of his career, when you see them slow down and lose their application for the contest you might think the end is nigh, but that's not the case for 'Poppy' or Shaun. As long as they keep giving us the endeavour and the application they'll continue to play.

"I thought he was terrific today, with his defensive pressure and his opportunity to kick goals," he said.

Burgoyne should be back from his four-week hamstring injury for the maiden trip to Optus Stadium to play Fremantle next Sunday, while the Hawks also expect O'Meara to play.