The Hawks’ youngest team this season put in a solid effort in Sunday’s match, narrowly losing to finals-bound St Kilda in a tight tussle at Metricon Stadium.

The Hawks made seven changes leading into the match, following on from five changes last week, and six a fortnight earlier, demonstrating Hawthorn’s willingness to experiment with its personnel now that finals are well and truly off the cards.

In the Round 16 clash, Hawks fans had a glimpse of what the future might look like, with the club fielding a season-high 10 players aged 22 or under.

Coach Alastair Clarkson gave credit to his young brigade following the match.

“In the position we’re in, with five day breaks and not being able to make finals, we may as well look to the future a bit more and give some guys opportunities,” he said in his post match press conference.

“They acquitted themselves well over the course of the game, and we’ll get another couple of games to have a look at them over the next two weeks.

One such player is defender Damon Greaves. The youngster was impressive on debut, amassing 17 disposals, four score involvements and showing composure beyond his level of experience.

“He’s really worked hard at his game,” Clarkson said.

“His family back in the west would be really proud, and we were proud of his effort today.”

“He’s got the respect of his teammates, coaches and club, and if (tonight’s game is) a sign of things to come, then that’s a really positive sign.”

The Hawks will have the chance to rest up and utilise their first seven-day break in over a month, before preparing to face the Bulldogs next Sunday in their second last home-and-away match of the season.

Watch Clarkson's full press conference below.