WITH Jarryd Roughead (melanoma) and Ryan Schoenmakers (groin) both sidelined indefinitely, young Hawks forwards Tim O'Brien and James Sicily are both enjoying extended senior runs.

O'Brien, 193cm, showed promising signs in attack on Friday night against Essendon, kicking two goals and taking three contested marks, although Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson noted later he dropped a few marks in the second half he should have taken.

Sicily, 186cm, racked up a career-high 25 touches in a less familiar position across half-back, with Clarkson saying the Hawks believed in teaching their players to play in a variety of positions.

O'Brien has also played in defence at times this season and the Hawthorn coach says he and Sicily will continue to rotate between attack and the backline. Both youngsters remain works in progress, but their development has been fast-tracked this season.

From the AFL.com.au article 'Nine things we learned from Round 12'