Bruce is only playing because of Hawthorn's injuries. No guarantee he'll still be in their side come finals time.
Hawthorn over the past two drafts have topped up with experienced players - Burgoyne, Gibson and Hale - to their remaining 2008 premiership players who are back to their best (ie. Brad Sewell). That's what has made the difference. Guys like Smith and Poupolo are in their bottom 6 and so aren't expected to carry the load with the large number of senior experienced teammates around them. The kids they have drafted over the past two years have hardly played this year.
2009
Shaun Burgoyne gained for pick 9 and Mark Williams
Josh Gibson and pick 69 gained for picks 25 and 41
Let go Kennedy and McGlynn to the Swans in exchange for picks 39, 46 and 70.
N39. Sam Grimley (0 games)
N46. Benjamin Stratton (21 games in 2010, 3 in 2011)
N57. Jordan Williams (0 games)
N58. Rhan Hooper (gone)
N69. Taylor Duryea (0 games)
R13. Wayde Skipper (gone)
R29. Jarrod Kayler-Thomson (gone)
R42. Michael Johnston (0 games)
2010
David Hale, Kyle Cheney and pick 66 gained for a end of 1st round compo pick and pick 71
N19. Isaac Smith (11 games)
N38. Mitchell Hallahan (0 games)
N55. Angus Litherland (0 games)
N66. Paul Puopolo (15 games)
PSD5. Cameron Bruce (7 games)
R19. Sam Menagola (0 games)
R36. Thomas Schneider (0 games)
R52. Derick Wanganeen (0 games)
The Hawks under Clarkson have certainly made North look like fools at the trade table when you think they gained first rounders for a washed up Hay and Nathan Thompson 5-6 years ago and in recent times gained Gibson and Hale on the cheap given what they are producing this season.