Changkuoth Jiath Biography

The Demons acquire Changkuoth Jiath in the 2025 Trade Period in exchange for pick No.42 and a 2026 fourth-round selection being sent to the Hawks.

"We're absolutely delighted to welcome Changkuoth to the club," Melbourne AFL list manager Tim Lamb said on Wednesday afternoon.

"CJ has a unique and impressive skillset; he is strong in the air and, with his athleticism and explosiveness, will provide some great run for us off half back."

Changkuoth Jiath will remain at Hawthorn for another three seasons after signing a new contract with the club.

Following a breakout 2021 season, Changkuoth Jiath re-signs with Hawthorn until the end of 2024.

"CJ showed some really impressive form last year and has emerged as one of our most promising players," Hawthorn list manager Mark McKenzie said.

"He took his progression to the next level in 2021, with his commitment to his craft really shining through. He possesses great athleticism and speed, while demonstrating a real willingness to take the game on."

Changkuoth Jiath makes his AFL debut for Hawthorn at Manuka Oval with 11 disposals (3 kicks and 8 handballs), 3 marks and 2 tackles in a 56-point win over GWS.

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.