the evidence was there for all to see. people just selectively chose to ignore it
Or it was a matter of understanding the risks but having faith that someone could change. With the late draft picks the Hawks had, it means that they have to be a bit more willing to take risks to try to find that diamond in the rough.
An example of Hawthorn taking risks on draft choices is the number of players the Hawks have drafted from NSW (e.g. Bruest, Suckling, Smith). Sydney and GWS passed over these guys and NSW players are always harder to judge because they are coming from a weaker league. But with late draft picks you have to take a punt and be willing to take your lumps when it doesn't work out.