WITH the 2021 AFL Draft done and dusted, Rookie Me Central takes a look through each clubs’ hauls to assess the areas they bolstered and what each fresh face promises to bring to their new side. Next under the microscope is Hawthorn, which picked up a handful of Victorian prospects in what looms as a definitive haul as the first under new coach, Sam Mitchell.

National Draft selections:

#7 Josh Ward (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
#23 Sam Butler (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
#26 Connor MacDonald (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
#53 Jai Serong (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)

Rookie Draft selections:

#5 Ned Long (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)

What better way to kick off proceedings for Hawthorn than to pick up a lifelong Hawks supporter with pick seven. Much more than just a fan, Josh Ward promises to bring an element of class to his side’s engine room and with clean skills, holds comparisons to his new coach. He also has the running capacity to play straight away.

The Hawks were again busy early on night two and addressed another key need in the small forward department. Sam Butler was the man to do so, snapped up with pick 23 after garnering some first round interest. The brother of St Kilda’s Dan has similar pace and goal sense, but his slick handling and decision making bode well for future midfield minutes.

Similarly, dominant clearance accumulator Connor MacDonald got his chance at pick 26, continuing the Hawks’ midfield regeneration. With a touch of speed and the work rate to push forward and kick goals, he adds another handy point of difference around the ball, long-term.

Hawthorn’s final point of call on night two was to bring in Jai Serong late on, a versatile athlete who has scope to play in a variety of roles. Whether it be as a marking outlet at either end of the ground or as a tall midfielder, the brother of Caleb was a shrewd selection made on upside.

Ned Long then made it a handful of Victorians selected by Hawthorn as he was taken with the fifth rookie selection, joining former Melbourne Grammar and Northern Knights teammate, Ward in brown and gold. A 195cm mid-forward, Long has high-end endurance and is capable of impacting up forward.

With a couple of brothers-of and a full selection of local talent, Hawthorn is beginning its rejuvenation brilliantly and clearly targeted the midfield first. The Hawks brought in a variety of talent which will not only boost their ball winning stocks, but also offer scoreboard impact and the versatility to develop in other roles before taking over at centre bounces in future.