The Hawks have flown in unfamiliar territory for much of the 2017 season, spending the first 11 weeks outside of the Top 8 for the first time since 2005.

Despite uncovering more wins than losses in the front end of the year, the emergence of several talented young players has given Hawthorn supporters a glimmer of hope for the future.

Among those is Ryan Burton, who has been a shining light for the club since returning to the senior side in Round 2. The versatile young defender hasn’t missed a beat, averaging 21 disposals, four rebound 50s and 370 metres gained per game, as well as earning himself a Rising Star nomination off the back of a 26-disposal performance in Round 2.

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20-year-old Blake Hardwick has also become a vital cog in the Hawks’ defence. Averaging 14 disposals, it’s Hardwick’s disposal efficiency that is most impressive; the half-back flanker is averaging 87.6 per cent across his eight games in 2017, which is the sixth best in the league (of those who have played at least five games), and 3.3 per cent clear of the next best Hawk (Tim O’Brien).

This season, the Hawks have fielded six players under the age of 22 (slightly down on the league average of eight). Brisbane has set the bar, with 14 U22 players, while Adelaide has opted for maturity, fielding just three U22 men.

Hawthorn’s U22 players are averaging 14.75 disposals each per game in 2017, which is up on the league average of 14.10. Essendon are leading the field in this statistic, with their U22s averaging 17.82. Take Zac Merrett out of the equation (averaging 31.8 disposals, and turning 22 in October), and the number slips back to 15.4. 

Hawthorn’s U22 tackling pressure is among the best in the league, with the players averaging 3.5 tackles each per game, behind only ladder-leaders GWS (3.9) and the sixth placed Western Bulldogs (3.75).

Where Hawthorn slips slightly behind the eight ball is in the number of total games played by U22 players this season. The six young Hawks have played a combined 30 games for the brown and gold in 2017, which is down on the league average of 50, and higher than only sixth placed West Coast (26) and second placed Adelaide (19).

Read: Which Hawks are in All-Australian contention at the half way mark?

See how each club's U22 players in 2017 compare.