After taking David Mirra with the 23^rd pick in Monday night’s Rookie Draft, Hawthorn will be hoping to continue their success with mature-age recruits.

The 26-year old spent seven years playing with the Hawks’ VFL affiliate the Box Hill Hawks before hearing his name called out on Monday.

Recent mature-age success stories for the club include Paul Puopolo (taken with Pick 66 in the 2010 national draft at the age of 22), Isaac Smith (Pick 19 in 2010 draft, 22) and Ben Stratton (Pick 46 in 2009 draft, 20).

Read: Hawthorn's list by age, experience and position

That talented trio now combine for nine premiership medallions and 451 games. 

Hawks supporters will be quick to note that Stuart Dew was also a mature-age recruit who helped provide premiership joy in 2008. 

And let's not forget one Sam Mitchell. Overlooked in 2000, the midfielder was snapped up with Pick 36 in the 2001 Super Draft a year later than his peers, and went on to register four premierships and a Brownlow Medal.

Around the league, too, there is no shortage of examples of belated starters emerging to become superstars of the competition.

Former Cat and Crow James Podsiadly is the poster boy for mature-age triumphs, having kicked the most goals for Geelong in their 2011 premiership year. 

28 years old when he was selected in the 2009 rookie draft by Geelong, Podsiadly went on to kick 195 goals in a 104-game career.

Brownlow Medallist Matt Priddis, All Australian Dayne Zorko and midfield gun Michael Barlow also had delayed starts to their AFL careers but are now household names around the country.