Hawthorn supporters will be licking their lips at some of the talent currently on show across the state league competitions this year. And with Pick 2 currently in hand as the mid-season draft looms, the club could be a strong beneficiary.

Hawthorn National Recruitment and List Manager Mark McKenzie says while building greater midfield and forward depth is high on the priority list, the club will be taking a 'talent first' approach.

The Hawks currently hold two vacant list spots, meaning the club could choose to select up to two players in the draft.

"From our point of view, we will still look at talent first overall," McKenzie said.

"Positional and need is always a part of the overall analysis of a player, but in this draft's case we will go for talent.

"There's also some flexibility there with a potential second pick where we can look to address a potential positional need depending on the guys that are taken between our first and second picks.

"We will definitely be looking at bolstering our midfield and also forward of centre, but that can always be covered off later in the year through the other drafts or trade period as well."

Sicily moved to long-term injury list

With Hawthorn currently sitting 17th on the ladder, McKenzie added that the urgency for a drafted player to come in and have an influence with the senior side quickly wasn't as strong for the Hawks as it may be for opposition sides.

"With this being the second mid-season rookie draft, we've been pretty open - yes, we'd love players to impact early, but we also need to be mindful of the balance that they might be able to impact early but can they also be a part of our future development and overall enhancement of the team."

The 2021 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft will take place in a virtual broadcast live and exclusive on afl.com.au and via the Official AFL LIVE App on Wednesday June 2, 2021 from 6:30pm AEST. The Draft will officially commence at 7:00pm.