HAWTHORN rookie James Cousins will make his debut against Sydney on Friday night after being elevated to the Hawks' senior list.
The first-year midfielder has been rewarded for a solid run of VFL form, capped by his best game of the season at the weekend, winning 29 possessions (16 contested) and 10 clearances for Box Hill.
A strong stoppage player with good endurance, Cousins was selected with pick No.46 in the 2017 NAB AFL Rookie Draft after a best-and-fairest season with TAC Cup team the Murray Bushrangers.
"It's a really great story," Hawthorn football manager Jason Burt said.
"James is a young kid who came to the club via last year's rookie draft, and really hasn't put a foot wrong since.
"He has a great work ethic both on the field and at training, and his contested ball numbers in the VFL this year are a testament to that.
"He has forced his AFL selection through a string of strong performances for Box Hill, and we're really excited to see what he can produce at the top level."
