THE HUNGER for success of Hawthorn's younger generation is a primary driving force behind the club's quest for back-to-back flags, according to small forward Paul Puopolo.
A list ravaged by injury has resulted in the Hawks having nine debutants in 2014, with the likes of former St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy and defender Angus Litherland both pushing their claims for a permanent spot in the side.
Midfielder Will Langford and ruckman Jonathon Ceglar have also forced their way into the team after playing just three AFL games between them before this year.
The injection of youth into the team has also been balanced by the return of more experienced defender Matt Suckling and swingman Ryan Schoenmakers, who were both missing from last year's premiership side as they recovered from serious knee injuries.
Puopolo said the Hawks that weren't a part of the 2013 premiership side, are determined to taste that success this season.
"There's a couple of guys that didn't get that [premiership] success last year and have come back from long-term injury," Puoplo told AFL.com.au.
"I guess for us, we want them to feel that success, and build on it too.
"There's a hunger coming from the young guys too and it's pushing us older guys to keep going, so that's probably the benefits we've got from the kids that didn't get to perform [in the 2013 Grand Final]."
The plethora of young talent coming through the ranks at Hawthorn has created a healthy competition of spots in the side.
David Hale, Ceglar and McEvoy have been locked in a constant battle all season for the two ruck positions, while defender Taylor Duryea, who was dropped on the eve of the 2013 finals series, has also struggled to retain his place in the best 22.
Despite being the competition's No. 1 player for pressure acts and tackles in the forward 50, Puopolo conceded not even his spot was secure.
"I guess you never know what's around the corner and form can change in the blink of an eye," he said.
"If you've got that pressure [for spots] then it keeps you going, it keeps you motivated. I guess I'm never too confident, just happy enough playing. It was a hard journey for me to get into the AFL but I'm just happy to be here now."
The 26-year-old still has one year left to run on his current contract after he was given an extension last year.
Born and bred in South Australia, Puopolo has settled in Melbourne along with his mum, dad and sister, and said he had no intention of returning to his home state.
"I'm definitely happy being at Hawthorn," Puopolo said.
"They drafted me when obviously nobody else did, I feel like I owe them and that's why I just keep trying to play my best footy."
