Changkuoth Jiath has returned to Hawthorn's pre-season training firing on all cylinders, ready to stamp his case for a starting position in Sam Mitchell's side in 2025.
Entering into his ninth season on an AFL list, the 25-year-old is set to become a prolific member of Sam Mitchell's game plan, with his flair, speed and endurance fitting in perfectly with the well-known 'Hokball' style that roared to life in 2024.
Last season, Jiath was predicted to have his breakout year in the AFL before injury once again cruelly reared its ugly head. He started the 2024 pre-season off in excellent fashion, turning heads down at Bunjil Bagora after heading over to Qatar to visit world-renowned specialists who were assisting him in a bid to overcome soft-tissue injuries that had hindered his impact and ability to play the year prior.
Unfortunately, just before halftime in the Hawks' intra-club match, tragedy struck. Jiath injured his hamstring and spent more time on the sidelines.
After missing the first six rounds, he returned to play 11 matches for the Hawks during their run to the finals before injuring his quad and being forced to watch as the Hawks played in their first finals series since 2018.
After suffering the heartache of 2024, 'CJ' has put in massive amounts of work over the AFL off-season to ensure he has come back in terrific nick.
After missing games early on in 2024, Jiath struggled with his touch under pressure, at times being fumbly and struggling to influence games like the excitement machine has shownย glimpses of since his debut in 2019.
Knowing the challenge that he faced to put his name up in lights and demand to be in contention for games in 2025, Jiath has left no stone unturned this summer. He has put in the extra work, which has been highlighted by the way that he has shone brightly in drills and match simulation sessions at Waverley Park.
As is well known amongst Hawthorn supporters, his performances in the time trials and running blocks have come to be expected, with Jiath featuring prominently alongside the likes of Josh Weddle, Finn Maginness and Karl Amon.
However, what will excite Hawks fans is the way that Jiath has been demonstrating confidence with ball in hand and also his courage in defence when completing match simulations.
His run and bounce predominantly off half-back during these match simulations, as well as his cleanliness with disposal while under pressure, will leave onlookers salivating at the prospect of a fit Jiath being able to make a difference and add more attack and flair to an already prolific lineup.
Jiath has well and truly thrown down the gauntlet to Sam Mitchell and his match committee when selecting the starting 22 for the season opener against last year's grand finalists, the Sydney Swans, in the opening round of this year's AFL season.
