Nicholas Watson (born 24 February 2005) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for Hawthorn in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Nick Watson | |||
---|---|---|---|
Personal information | |||
Full name | Nicholas Watson[1] | ||
Nickname(s) | The Wizard, Watto | ||
Date of birth | 24 February 2005 | ||
Original team(s) | Eastern Ranges (NAB League)/East Ringwood (EFNL)/Caulfield Grammar (APS) | ||
Draft | No. 5, 2023 AFL draft, Hawthorn | ||
Debut | Round 1, 2024, Hawthorn vs. Essendon, at MCG | ||
Height | 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) [2] | ||
Weight | 68 kg (150 lb) | ||
Position(s) | Small forward | ||
Club information | |||
Current club | Hawthorn | ||
Number | 34 | ||
Playing career1 | |||
Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
2024– | Hawthorn | 18 (25) | |
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2024. | |||
Career highlights | |||
| |||
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com |
Early life
Watson grew up in Melbourne’s outer east and was educated at Rowville Sports Academy and Caulfield Grammar.[3] A small forward, Watson in 2023 was the top goalscorer while playing for Caulfield Grammar in the APS competition. He also was the top goalkicker playing for VicMetro in the 2023 National championships.[4] He played his junior football for Montrose and East Ringwood in the Eastern Football League.
AFL career
He was the fifth selection in the 2023 AFL draft by Hawthorn.[5] Nicknamed "the Wizard" for his ability to do special things in attack, Watson is an exciting prospect. [6] He made his debut against Essendon at the MCG in the opening round of the 2024 AFL season.
He was awarded a 2024 AFL Rising Star nomination in round 19, collecting 12 disposals and kicking 3 goals during a 66 point thrashing over Collingwood.[7]
Statistics
Updated to the end of 2024.[8]
G
|
Goals | K
|
Kicks | D
|
Disposals | T
|
Tackles |
B
|
Behinds | H
|
Handballs | M
|
Marks |
Season | Team | No. | Games | Totals | Averages (per game) | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G | B | K | H | D | M | T | G | B | K | H | D | M | T | ||||
2024 | Hawthorn | 34 | 18 | 25 | 27 | 118 | 77 | 195 | 55 | 45 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 6.6 | 4.3 | 10.8 | 3.1 | 2.5 |
Career | 18 | 25 | 27 | 118 | 77 | 195 | 55 | 45 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 6.6 | 4.3 | 10.8 | 3.2 | 2.5 |
Honours and achievements
Hawthorn
- McClelland Trophy: 2024
Individual
- AFL Rising Star nominee: 2024
- Hawthorn most promising player: 2024
References
- ^ "Nicholas Watson". Hawthorn Football Club. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
- ^ "x.com". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 2024-08-21.
- ^ "Magic touch: 'Wizard' on size, Boomer and talking 'smack'". www.afl.com.au. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
- ^ "Hawks recruit proves doubters wrong". 21 November 2023.
- ^ "Hawks secure Watson with top pick". 20 November 2023.
- ^ "Off to see 'The Wizard': Hawks lock in new faces for R1 debuts". 14 March 2024.
- ^ "Hawk for life? Wizard's big contract statement". Herald Sun.
- ^ "Nick Watson stats". AFLTables. Retrieved 13 May 2024.