Changkuoth Jiath Biography

Hawthorn will blood Category B rookie Changkuoth Jiath to play against Greater Western Sydney this week.

"I don't want to think right now – it feels like I'm day dreaming. I'm just trying to soak it all in," Jiath said.

"I kind of had a little inkling that I might debut sometime soon, but I wasn't rushed. I was trying to be patient, and I was willing to take as long as needed to develop my game and confidence."

Changkuoth Jiath is nominated by Hawthorn as a Next Generation Academy player.

"We've been working closely with 'CJ' throughout the year, and have been happy with his development," Hawthorn list manager Graham Wright said.

"He's very versatile. He can kick goals while playing across half-forward, break the lines on the wing and occasionally run through the midfield.

"Over the coming weeks we will assess our draft strategy and determine where he sits in the draft order, before we make our final decision during either the national or rookie draft."

Changkuoth Jiath leads a group of 11 draft prospects eligible to join clubs as Next Generation Academy players this year.

Jiath, who plays for the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup and for Xavier College at school level in Melbourne, can join Hawthorn under the AFL's rules to boost the numbers of multicultural and indigenous talent in League ranks.

The lightly framed Jiath has impressed at stages this season across half-forward with his pace and endurance, and creative streak. He will be subject to the same bidding process as father-son and northern academy players if a rival club places a bid on him during the national NAB AFL Draft later this year in Sydney.