It’s a new era in the brown and gold, with the club set to unveil three debutants in Saturday night’s season opener against the Bombers.

Jacob Koschitzke, Tyler Brockman and Connor Downie will each live their AFL dream in front of a capacity crowd at Marvel Stadium.

Head of Football Rob McCartney says the night will mark a special occasion for the club, the players and their families.

“We are extremely excited that Jacob, Tyler and Connor will make their AFL debut on Saturday night,” McCartney said.

“All three have worked incredibly hard over the course of the pre-season, and on the back of solid performances in our practice matches, thoroughly deserve their opportunities.

“Our loyal members and fans will get a glimpse of the future of our club as these lads start their AFL journey in brown and gold. 

First games are special events and I’m sure the three players and their families will enjoy the build-up and contest against a traditional rival in Essendon.” 

At just 20 years of age, Jacob Koschitzke is the oldest of the trio, with the promising forward entering his third year at the club. 

Koschitzke was drafted to Hawthorn with Pick 52 in 2018, spending much of his first two seasons plying his trade as a defender.

Last year’s mid-season move to the forward line now seems inspired; Koschitzke showed just what he’s capable of in the AAMI Series hit-out a fortnight ago when he booted a round-high six goals.

Draftee Tyler Brockman quickly proved his excitement factor upon arriving at Waverley through Pick 46 in the National Draft, turning heads with his speed and creativity with ball in hand. 

His AAMI Series performance was equally as exciting, with the young Indigenous talent booting three goals in the first quarter and providing plenty of spark.

Connor Downie’s name had long been associated with the Hawks, with the young wingman rising through the club’s Next Generation Academy.

Since being taken with Pick 35 in last year’s draft, Downie hasn’t missed a beat, quickly earning  the respect of his peers in the club’s intraclub and practice matches.

Along with new Hawk Tom Phillips, Downie looks set to ably bolster the club’s wing stocks, following the off-season departures of Isaac Smith and Tom Scully.

Hawks fans; get excited for a glimpse of the future when the Hawks take on the Bombers this Saturday night.