Matt Hill is set to become the latest Northern Territory-born footballer to reach the AFL.
The Katherine product will make his AFL debut for Hawthorn against Melbourne in Launceston on Saturday afternoon.
Hill has been called into the senior team after star small forward Nick Watson was ruled out due to hamstring tightness.
It marks a major moment for the 22-year-old, who has taken a unique path to the top level.
The Ballardong, Wardandi, Gajerrong and Bunuba man from Katherine joined Hawthorn as a Category B rookie at the end of 2024 after spending time in rugby league pathways.
Before arriving at the Hawks, Hill was part of the Melbourne Storm Academy and its First Nations Pathways Program.
He also played for the Storm in the Jersey Flegg Cup, the U21 competition based in New South Wales, and spent time in the Brisbane Broncos' development squad.
Hawthorn recruiting and list manager Mark McKenzie highlighted Hill's athletic profile and football background when he first joined the club.
"Matt has shown in his young sporting career that he is a naturally gifted athlete with exciting speed, in addition to playing several years of footy as a junior, he has immense potential," McKenzie said.
Hill played Australian rules as a teenager and was invited to train with the Gold Coast Suns Academy when he was 15.
He also has strong football bloodlines.
Hill has family connections to Brad Hill, Bobby Hill, Toby Bedford, Jy Farrar, Ash Johnson and Shane McAdam, as well as the Pickett and Garlett families.
Since joining Hawthorn, Hill has continued to build his game through Box Hill in the VFL.
The 187cm forward has shown speed, pressure and attacking flair at state league level.
He has kicked 28 goals from 30 VFL matches, including three goals from 10 disposals and eight tackles for Box Hill last weekend.
That performance again showed his ability to impact the scoreboard while also applying strong defensive pressure.
Hawthorn will travel to Launceston without Watson and veteran forward Jack Gunston.
Watson did not play after halftime in last Friday night's win over GWS, with coach Sam Mitchell later saying the move was precautionary.
The young forward has kicked 39 goals this season, placing him equal second in the Coleman Medal race behind Gold Coast spearhead Ben King.
