Changkuoth Jiath is officially a Hawk, with the club pre-selecting the versatile midfielder ahead of Monday night’s Rookie Draft.
A member of the club’s Next Generation Academy, Jiath was nominated by Hawthorn as a Category B Rookie earlier this month. His future was all but decided on Friday night, after other clubs decided against bidding on the 18-year-old during the NAB AFL Draft.
Jiath impressed during his 2017 TAC Cup campaign with the Gippsland Power, demonstrating strong contesting marking skills and natural athleticism, while averaging 16 disposals and five marks.
He also showed his wares during the 2017 NAB AFL Combine, registering top 10 finishes in both the goal kicking test and 2km time trial.
Hawthorn was able to nominate Jiath under the AFL rules that look to boost the numbers of multicultural and indigenous talent in the league's ranks.
