"We've got a group of younger players that are ready to take the next step into senior footy."

It's the sentiment Hawthorn fans are hungry to hear.

Speaking to a press conference on Saturday morning, Alastair Clarkson was keen to spruik the "next wave" that was quickly emerging within the Hawks squad.

Asked who might be in line to replace Shaun Burgoyne who is under an injury cloud approaching Monday's clash with Fremantle, the four-time premiership coach took the opportunity to pump up his brigade of youngsters. 

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"You'd think with our formline in recent weeks that we might not have much depth, but there's a lot of younger players that have been performing really well," Clarkson said.

"We've got five or six younger players who have been performing well, training well, they're fit and they're ready to go.

"It's just about working out that time where performance meets opportunity, which is coming pretty close."

Having recently been elevated to the senior list, Changkuoth Jiath was one name Clarkson turned his attention to, whilst Dylan Moore and Harry Jones were also mentioned.

"CJ has been playing most of his footy in the back half and we've been really pleased with his progress.

"He hasn't been able to break himself into the side just yet but that will come soon."

Clarkson predicted the next phase of Hawthorn's season would deliver some opportunities for those waiting in the wings. 

"I'd anticipate that, given the way the draw has panned out for us having the bye this week, I'd reckon at some point in time the season will compress a bit for us.

"We'll need to rotate our players a bit more then and I'd hope some of the younger players get an opportunity through that period."