How a “close connection” has helped Hawks young gun feel comfortable at AFL level

Nick Watson was awarded with a Rising Star nomination for the class and excitement he brought to his young Hawthorn side's dominant victory against Collingwood.

Selected with Pick 5 in last year’s AFL Draft, Watson starred in the wet and showcased his goal sense, pressure and accurate field kicking. 

Coming into the blockbuster clash at the MCG versus Collingwood, Watson’s accuracy was in question as he kicked a wayward 19 behinds and only seven goals in his first 10 AFL games. 

On the weekend, he put his goal kicking demons aside and kicked three goals straight, with 91.7 per cent disposal efficiency in the rain.

Watson put his improvement in kicking in the past few games down to his coach Sam Mitchell.

“I’ve put in a fair bit of work with Sam, we’ve been getting out to training early, and he’s shown me his technique,” Watson said on SEN Afternoons.

“I know how to kick goals. I just had a bad start, we’ve got a real close connection, and he’s helped me not just with goals, but with overall resilience around the ground and getting used to AFL footy.”

Watson praised teammate Jack Ginnivan and the connection they've built together in the young Hawks forward line.

“I love playing alongside him, we help each other out,” he said.

“He’s taught me a fair bit since I've been here, and obviously we look above that, and we’ve got Luke Breust taking care of us as well.”

Hawthorn’s celebrations, visible camaraderie and team connection have turned the club’s season around, and they have been having fun while doing it.

“We’re such a young group, and we love playing footy together, we’re building something special here, and Sam puts a lid on it if we go too far,” Watson added.

Similar to his popular teammate Ginnivan, the emerging Watson has also received some criticism for his character and size.

“I copped a fair bit growing up with people saying I was too small, but I stuck with what I could control, and you can’t control growing, so I did everything else I could do to build my game,” he said.

“I worked really hard in the gym with my jumping ability, being a one-touch player and taking my opportunities when they come.”

Watson’s best friend and teammate last year at Eastern Ranges, Caleb Windsor, who was awarded his own Rising Star nomination in Round 8. The young Hawks star says they still spend plenty of time together.

"Yeah, I still see him every day, much to my disgust, we live close and have the same friendship group,” he laughed.

“He’s tracking really well at the Dees, and I’ve tried to get him across to Hawthorn, but he said he will never.”

Watson and teammates are bringing an exciting and authentic personality to Hawthorn that celebrates each other, which is allowing them to grow collectively.

The Hawks currently sit 11th on the ladder and will be desperate to keep their momentum rolling into their Round 20 clash against Adelaide on the road this Sunday.