His career to this point:  

Changkuoth Jiath arrived at Hawthorn in 2017 after the club selected him as a Category B rookie. In his time since then, Jiath has made a strong leap in his progression as an AFL footballer, with his game knowledge and skill level clear improvement areas since his arrival. The endurance machine made his senior debut in the club’s Round 21 win over Greater Western Sydney in 2019. He was again picked the following week against Gold Coast, where he collected a career-high 18 disposals. 

2020 form:  

Jiath built on his senior games tally in 2020, adding five more appearances to his ledger. His time came between Rounds 12 to 16 where he played every game across that period. The 21-year-old appeared to grow in confidence with every outing, as his game sense at the elite level improved. He averaged 9.6 disposals, 2.6 marks and 1.6 tackles over his five games.  

A look towards 2021: 

Jiath made his intentions for 2021 clear when he returned in ripping nick to finish runner-up to Finn Maginness in the club’s first time trial of the pre-season. With seven senior games to his name, Jiath enters the 2021 season, his fourth in the system, with a desperation to become a bona fide senior starter. There is competition for spots in the Hawks backline, but Jiath’s start to the pre-season suggests he is going to give himself every chance.