It’s official; Connor Downie will don the brown and gold in 2021.

The Hawks were hopeful to nab the exciting youngster, with the opportunity to match the North Melbourne bid on him thanks to his development through the club’s Next Generation Academy.

Despite predominately playing as a defender, Downie has also shown an impressive ability to hit the scoreboard, booting nine goals in 14 appearances for the Ranges last year, while also occasionally pushing up onto the wing.

His standout traits are his kicking penetration and run-and-carry.

Though the 185cm talent was unable to show his wares in 2020 due to the NAB League’s cancellation, he had already proven his potential in 2019 when he was one of the few bottom-agers named in a stacked Vic Metro U18s side.

Downie is the latest in a string of NGA talents to join the club, following the likes of Harrison Pepper and Changkuoth Jiath.

He becomes one of the few AFL players of Chinese heritage to be drafted, and hopes to be a role model for his culture.

Stay tuned for more draft news to come.

Sign up to be the inaugural player sponsor for Connor Downie. Contact Dan Hamer (danh@hawthornfc.com.au)