EXCITING ruck prospect Tony Olango has joined Hawthorn's next generation academy.

Olango, 18, who was born in Kenya to South Sudanese parents, will be part of the club's academy program in the Northern Territory.

The 200cm big man was unlucky to be overlooked in last year's NAB AFL Draft and possesses some unique skills for a player of his height.

Olango registered top-10 finishes in the running vertical jump and 20m-sprint tests at last year's Combine.

Hawthorn list manager Graham Wright said joining the academy would assist Olango in taking the step to the elite level. 

"He’s an exciting prospect with his height and great athleticism," Wright said.

"He has only played a handful of games, so we can expect to see plenty of development. 

"Joining our academy will assist his understanding of the game, and help to fast-track his growth." 

In 2014, Olango made the switch to footy after three months trialling for Scottish soccer giants Glasgow Rangers. 

The Northern Territory prospect has been hampered by a number of injuries over the last 24 months.

However, he was reportedly also on the Cats' radar after a standout performance in the NAB AFL Under-18 All Stars game on Grand Final eve last September.