How Hawthorn's risky pick became best decision in a decade

Drafting smalls in the upper echelon of a National Draft has long been an unspoken sin in the AFL.

That was until Hawthorn successfully bucked the trend.

Approaching the 2023 National Draft, Bendigo Pioneer Harley Reid was clearly the best player in the class, with Colby McKercher, Zane Duursma and Jed Walter rounding out what was widely considered the top four talents.

However, lingering in the top 10 was a player Cal Twomey said was “as good a small forward to come through the draft in many seasons”.

At 170cm, the diminutive Eastern Ranges forward Nick Watson was clearly talented, however, it came with risk.

70 goals across all competitions in his draft year was a major tick, but his size was a concern, entering as the shortest player in his class and one of the shortest in the AFL.

However, having trialled the small forward through the AFL Academy and hosting six meetings with the Vic Metro talent, Hawthorn took a punt, drafting the nifty Wizard with the fifth overall pick.

Josh Jenkins believes it’s the best decision the club has made in a decade.

“For a long time, it was frowned upon to use a top five pick on anything other than a key position forward or back, or a 6’3” midfielder,” Jenkins told SEN Mornings.

“Hawthorn said, ‘we are going to buck the trend, because we believe we have a generational talent’.

“Nick Watson – Pick 5. Brave, and accurate.

“He was an All-Australian this year, won the Best and Fairest this year and he is only beginning to arrive to the peak of his powers.

“Nick Watson – the best move Hawthorn has made in the last five to 10 seasons.”

2026 was a breakout season for the superstar small, booting 63 goals, winning Mark of the Year, claiming his first club best and fairest and earning his first All-Australian blazer in just his third season.

And at just 21 years of age, The Wizard is far from the peak of his powers.

Having added Zach Merrett to their midfield mix and filing the paperwork for restricted free agent Ben King, the Hawks enter 2027 as a real threat to the competition.

Another season of growth from Wizard, and the ceiling is endless for he and his Hawks.