Changkuoth Jiath set to make AFL debut for Hawthorn Hawks in Canberra

But it will forever hold a special place in his heart as the Hawthorn Hawks prospect prepares to make his AFL debut at the boutique venue a drop punt away from Australia's political power base.

The category B rookie will suit up for the Hawks in their clash against the GWS Giants in Canberra on Friday.

Hawthorn lodged the paperwork to elevate Jiath to the senior list on Thursday morning, a day after he had been called into coach Alastair Clarkson's office fearing he was in hot water.

But it wasn't a spray Clarkson had up his sleeve. Instead he was telling the 20-year-old defender he is on the cusp of becoming an AFL player.

"He still is pretty raw," Clarkson said.

"A lot of young guys coming into the game are that way, they just need to get their bodies to a point where they're strong enough to withstand the rigours of AFL footy week to week and month to month.

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"He is still going through that process. He's been playing some pretty good footy at VFL level."

Jiath will play a key role in filling the void left by injured Hawk Grant Birchall (hamstring) in a must-win clash for a Hawthorn outfit desperately looking to keep their slim finals hopes alive.

Clouds of uncertainty hover over four-time premiership winner Birchall's future given the large number of players aged 30 or older on Hawthorn's list.

But Clarkson is adamant the club will not rush into a decision on the off contract 31-year-old as they plot their path back to the finals.

"It's more about how many half-back flankers have we got?," Clarkson said.

"Who is coming through for us? How many draft picks do we want to have at the end of the year? What do we want to secure in trade?

"None of that stuff happens until we have reviewed our whole season, we've done a total review of all our players medically, we've sat down with the players.

"None of that happens until a week or two weeks after our last home and away game or finals."

The Hawks claimed bragging rights in the last meeting between two sides but Clarkson concedes that counts for little as they prepare to dance again in freezing conditions.

"They play a strong brand of footy and I wouldn't expect they're going to change the way they're going to play," Clarkson said.

"They didn't have [Shane] Mumford or [Lachie] Whitfield in their side that particular day and they are two pretty important players for them. Does that change the dynamic? Absolutely.

"We need to play some really good footy, and if we can do that, we give ourselves a chance.

"We'll have to have our mittens on, our hats, beanies and scarves, and get out there and do our best."

AFL ROUND 21

Friday: GWS Giants v Hawthorn Hawks at Manuka Oval, 7.50pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.