Despite a challenging second half, Hawthorn managed to secure its first JLT series win against the Cats on Friday night.

The close game saw several young Hawks step up to the plate. Amongst them Kieran Lovell, who was recruited as Hawthorn’s second selection at pick 22 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.

With two pre-seasons under his belt, the 19-year-old midfielder impressed in Hawthorn’s four-point win over Geelong with 17 disposals.

Lovell has already been likened to former teammate Sam Mitchell, due to his elite agility and ball winning abilities. At 174cm, Lovell has a similar stature to that of Mitchell, who stands at 179cm.

Playing just two games with Hawthorn in the 2016 season, Lovell managed 29 disposals and averaged 14.5 touches, positioning him as one to watch.

Originally from Huonville, Tasmania, the young Hawk first made an impression as one of Box Hill’s standouts in the early stages of the VFL season in 2015.

Read: Squad announced for JLT Game 2

Former Hawthorn Development Coach (now Box Hill Senior Coach) Chris Newman was optimistic about Lovell’s development thus far.

“Kieran is continuing to grow and learn with every game he plays,” Newman said at the end of the 2016 season.

“He’s another exciting player who can break a line for us and can break a tackle really easily as he’s got a quick side-step and he uses those assets every week.”

Lovell will be looking to add to his two-game tally during the 2017 home and away season and, with midfield spots up for grabs, there's a high chance he will do just that.