Just two months after being selected with the 12th pick in the 2023 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Hawthorn's Brandon Ryan has been selected in coach Sam Mitchell's side to take on St Kilda this Sunday.

Ryan has not travelled the traditional path to the AFL. The Barwon Heads product made his way to Hawthorn from local football in just six months, following a stunning start to the VFL season.

The 25-year-old put on brilliant displays for both the Bullants, and more recently with Box Hill, averaging 2.1 goals, 13.4 disposals, and 5.3 marks per game this year.

Ryan spent two years on North Melbourne's VFL list in 2018 and 2019 but didn't play a VFL game due to injury, prior to the coronavirus pandemic wiping out most of the next two years.

General Manager of Football Rob McCartney is pleased with the development that Ryan has made since his arrival at the club.

"First games are always special, but Brandon being a 25-year-old who never gave up on a dream to play at this level, adds something extra to the occasion," McCartney said as part of a club release on Friday afternoon.

"Recently selected in the mid-season draft Brandon has impressed for Box Hill, his aerial strength and forward craft providing multiple shots on goal each week.

"It will no doubt be a special day for Brandon, his family, and friends on Sunday at Marvel."

In his VFL debut against Richmond's reserves at Punt Road in March, Ryan scored three goals and out-muscled opponents when transitioning down the field.

He scored five goals over the course of the next two weeks against Essendon and Port Melbourne, before adding five more against Sydney on the strength of 17 touches and 10 marks.

Ryan and the Hawks play the Saints at Marvel Stadium this Sunday at 1:10 PM (AEST).