Hawthorn has nominated Next Generation Academy prospect Changkuoth Jiath as a Category B Rookie ahead of the 2017 NAB AFL Draft.

Jiath, who is of African descent, can be selected under the AFL rules that look to boost the numbers of multicultural and indigenous talent in the league's ranks.

The speedy forward spent 2017 playing for both Xavier College and Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup, while also participating in Hawthorn’s Gippsland-based academy.

GM- Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright said Jiath’s nomination comes off the back of plenty of hard work.

“We’ve been working closely with ‘CJ’ throughout the year, and have been happy with his development,” said Wright.

“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.”

Despite the nomination, rival clubs will still have an opportunity to bid on Jiath during the upcoming drafts.

“CJ is subjected to the same bidding process as father-son and Northern Academy players,” Wright explained.

“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.”

Learn more about Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy

Hawthorn also had the option of nominating Devlin Brereton (son of Dermott) and James Langford (son of Chris, brother of Will) as potential father-son selections in the upcoming draft. At this stage, the club has opted not to do so.