Hawthorn's future was looking bright on Saturday as the side prevailed over North Melbourne by 39 points at Arden St Oval. 

12 of the Hawks players were aged 22 or under, with many of this dozen among the stand-out Hawks on the day. 

Here are five Hawks, 22 years old or younger, who registered game-high numbers in the win.

Match report: Untried youngsters put their hand up for Round 1

Harry Morrison - 20 uncontested possessions

In an interview with AFL.com.au two weeks ago, Alastair Clarkson discussed how Hawthorn's successes in 2021 may come in different forms to what Hawthorn fans have come to expect in the past.

"Milestone moments for me are moments in a game," Clarkson said. 

"Can Denver Grainger-Barras play on a high-quality forward and keep him goalless? Can a young player like a Harry Morrison have a 30-touch game?

"They're the little milestones that our players are searching for, we're searching for as a coaching group and that we're hoping to educate our members."

Six days after that interview was published, Harry Morrison took a big step in answering his coach's question - yes, he can.

Morrison kicked a goal, laid six tackles, created four clearances and recorded 30 disposals, a feat he is yet to achieve in a home and away game.

As one of the club's summer stand-outs, Morrison is showing all the signs of a break-out season with his effort set to earn him more midfield minutes in 2021.

A game-high 20 uncontested possessions is a clear illustration of the heightened workrate that the 22-year-old has introduced to his game.

Dylan Moore - 11 score involvements 

There are few statistical categories that can highlight a player's impact more astutely than score involvements.

To put that into context, the top five players for score involvements last season were Tom Hawkins, Patrick Dangerfield, Dustin Martin, Mitch Duncan and Lachie Neale - a pretty handy bunch.

Dylan Moore figures as the type of player who can excel in this area in 2021.

A potent force around goal, he also has the motor to get up and down the ground to help trigger scoring forays for the Hawks.

The 21-year-old's 11 score involvements against the Roos came on the back of his 19 disposals and six inside 50s.

He also got in on the scoring action himself, booting a goal on the back of a forward 50 tackle.

The aforementioned names are the cream of the competition's crop but Moore continues to show promise as he finalises his preparations for his fourth season in the system. 

Changkuoth Jiath - 10 intercept possessions

You make a statement when you return from the Christmas break and win the club's 2.2km time trial.

You make an even bigger statement when you roll out a career-best game in the club's first 'official' hit-out of the year. 

That has been Changkuoth Jiath's modus operandi so far in 2021 - backing up improvement with more improvement.

The athleticism has always been there for Jiath - unquestionable.

The questionable has been his ability to read the game and make sound decisions that stand up at AFL level.

So, if that is the query on you, what better stat area to lead an entire field in than intercept possessions?

Jiath's 10 intercept possessions were a highlight of the Hawks win on Saturday, but it was also a pivotal moment in announcing that this 21-year-old is determined to take a senior spot and keep it in 2021. 

Tyler Brockman, Olly Hanrahan, Conor Nash and Dylan Moore - two F50 tackles

One thing that hasn't been lacking across the Hawks squad this summer has been hunger.

The man in the stand can see that the intent of the group has risen alarmingly on the training track over the past few months - a physicality that could only excite onlookers.

Once again, this summer investment came to fruition against North Melbourne.

The above quartet each laid two forward 50 tackles in the pre-season hit-out.

It might not sound like much, but, to put this number into context, zero Roos registered two tackles in their respective forward zone.

With defensive pressure king Paul Puopolo one of the outgoing Hawks veterans last year, we dare say Poppy would have been watching on with a smile across his face as these former students looked to come into their own on Saturday.

James Worpel - seven clearances

Hawks fans now know what they're going to get from James Worpel.

Newly appointed to the club's leadership group, the 2019 Peter Crimmins Medallist is now a staple item of the Hawks midfield and a key factor in the club's future aspirations.

On Saturday, Worpel shone inside the contest against the Roos, with 10 of his 23 possessions contested. 

Without the likes of Jaeger O'Meara and Tom Mitchell out there with him, Worpel more than capably shouldered the load.

Sometimes you have to pause and remind yourself that this guy is just 21 years old and yet to tally 50 senior games (that will hopefully come in Round 2, for those wondering!)

We know that it is always worth being wary of taking too much from pre-season games, but we loved what we saw from some of this next generation of brown and gold talent. 

With just a week and a half to go until the ball is bounced on season 2021, we can not wait to see more of the boys' summer application come to fruition this year.