Hawthorn has pre-selected Next Generation Academy player Harry Pepper in the 2019 Rookie Draft.

A Category B rookie selection, Harrison Pepper has spent the past two years plying his trade with Gippsland Power, while he also had the opportunity to represent Vic Country in this year’s national championships.

Possessing outstanding top-end speed, Pepper ensured his pace was well-known by recording a 2.95-second 20m sprint at this year’s state draft combine.

Making the transition from forward line to backline this year, the defensive end seemed to suit Pepper’s strengths more with his pace and level of competitiveness.

The 18-year-old took a noticeable stride forward in his game this year, progressing from a 7.4-disposal average for the Power in 2018 to 16.5 this season.

Pepper rounds out Hawthorn's 2019 draft haul, joining Will Day, Finn Maginness, Josh Morris, Michael Hartley and Emerson Jeka as the new custodians of the brown and gold.