HAWTHORN remains confident that Will Langford can rediscover his mojo up forward to ensure he is flexible enough to retain his spot when he returns to the seniors.
Langford, the revelation of the 2014 finals series, was able to complement his skill at winning the contested ball with goals at key moments, including three majors in that year's Grand Final.
However he has only managed seven goals in 23 AFL games since that career highlight and was omitted after Hawthorn defeated Essendon in round 12.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said his team's midfielders needed to have more than one string to their bow as the Hawks ran many of their players through the centre of the ground.
He said while Langford's best footy came when he was right in the middle of the contest, he could not be confined to that role.
"We're a side that likes to run a lot of players through the middle of the ground so the biggest challenge for us and Will is to find another position for him to play where he can make a really, really important contribution for us," Clarkson said.
"We're just exploring that at the minute."
Langford signed a four-year deal last season and is well regarded at the Hawks.
He turns 24 next week and has 43 games under his belt.
He will form an integral part of the midfield when Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne and Jordan Lewis end their careers.
"We think (Langford's second role) will probably be as a forward but he has just lost his mojo a little bit in terms of that forward play," Clarkson said.
"If we can get him playing that role a little bit better and more consistent then that will give him greater flexibility to play in our side."
Langford has kicked two goals in the past two weeks playing with the Box Hill Hawks against Geelong and Port Melbourne.