Nick Watson has never been one to shy away from the big stage, and as Hawthorn prepare for their preliminary final clash with Geelong at the MCG, the young forward is determined to use more than just his football skills to make an impact.
The 20-year-old, affectionately known as “The Wizard”, has quickly become a cult hero among Hawks fans. His energetic playstyle and cheeky personality have made him a crowd favourite, with supporters donning pointed hats in tribute to their rising star. For Watson, the energy of those fans is more than just a novelty—it’s a weapon he intends to unleash in front of more than 90,000 spectators on Friday night.
“It’s one of my tricks – getting the crowd up and about – and I feel like that could play a big part in finals with all the atmosphere and stuff like that,” Watson explained. “We haven’t played a home final yet, so it will be good to get back to the MCG with a few more Hawks fans, hopefully. I might start to wind them up, I reckon. See how we go.”
The Big Stage Awaits
Hawthorn’s September run has been nothing short of remarkable. Having toppled GWS and Adelaide in interstate finals, the Hawks now return to their home ground with a surge of confidence. Coach Sam Mitchell’s side has embraced the underdog tag, and Watson has been a vital contributor in their journey.
With 35 goals this season, Watson stands as the Hawks’ most dangerous small forward, his creativity and sharp goal sense repeatedly breaking open contests. Last week, in the upset win over Adelaide, he managed 2.4—numbers that could have been greater, but still underscored his ability to generate opportunities in high-pressure moments.
“I didn’t find the big sticks as much as I’d like (last week) … but as long as I’m getting the shots on goal that’s all I want – and the team success as well,” Watson said.
His track record in finals is already impressive. Across just four finals appearances, Watson has booted 10 goals, including hauls of four and three during last year’s campaign. Such numbers have only heightened expectations of what he might deliver against the Cats in one of the most heated rivalries in AFL history.
Living the September Dream
“As a kid you dream of September footy, and when it gets to this time of year you just want to perform and get the team the win,” Watson reflected. That sentiment resonates across Hawthorn’s playing group, where the mixture of youthful exuberance and seasoned leadership has powered their finals charge.
The MCG will be more than just a venue for Watson—it represents an opportunity to etch his name deeper into Hawthorn folklore. A performance that lights up the crowd could tilt momentum in favour of the Hawks, who will need every ounce of energy against a Geelong side boasting experience and class.
A Teammate’s Heartbreak
Yet amid the excitement, there is also a sombre note. Watson’s thoughts have turned to veteran forward Luke Breust, who suffered a devastating knee injury while playing in the VFL last weekend. The injury has cruelly ended Breust’s decorated career, dashing his hopes of adding a fourth premiership medal to his collection.
“Luke is such a nice guy, and as a small forward myself, you obviously look up to him a fair bit,” Watson said. “He’s had a fantastic career, he’s been one of the best small forwards to ever do it, so to see him go down in his last game like that … nothing worse. I feel for him, and we’re all going to wrap our arms around him and hope for the best.”
Breust’s absence will be felt both on and off the field. For younger players like Watson, the loss of such an influential figure is also a reminder of the fragility of sporting careers. But it has also created a sense of motivation—to honour their teammate by pushing deeper into September.
Hawthorn’s X-Factor
With so much at stake, Watson looms as Hawthorn’s potential X-factor. His flair, unpredictability, and willingness to play with both instinct and theatre give the Hawks a point of difference in attack. The Wizard moniker has never felt more appropriate, as fans hope for a bit of magic under the MCG lights.
For Hawthorn, the stakes are monumental. Victory would secure a grand final berth, a stage that seemed a distant dream earlier in the season. For Watson, it is a chance to showcase not just his goal sense, but his ability to lift the spirits of tens of thousands in brown and gold.
As the Hawks prepare for one of their biggest nights in recent history, Watson’s plan is clear: kick goals, stir the fans, and hope the roar of the MCG can help propel Hawthorn past their fiercest rivals.
