Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Hawthorn vs GWS ended with a 14-point Hawks win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but Nick Watson’s hamstring concern took some shine off Friday night’s 14.12 (96) to 12.10 (82) result.

Watson kicked three goals in a brilliant second-quarter burst before sitting out the second half in a tracksuit, while Greater Western Sydney Giants lost Max Gruzewski and Brent Daniels to serious injury concerns. The result matters because Hawthorn moved to 10 wins for the AFL season, while the Giants’ wildcard push became even harder.

For more WA football coverage, read WAFL 2026: Claremont Lose Captain Bailey Rogers Ahead of Crucial Clash, while official fixtures are available through the Australian Football League website.

Watson Stars Before Injury Concern

Hawthorn led by 43 points early in the third quarter after breaking the game open through midfield pressure and cleaner forward entries.

Watson’s three-goal spell gave the Hawks the spark they needed, but he revealed at half-time he had carried hamstring tightness during the week and had been in doubt to play. He did not return after the main break.

The Hawks still had enough control to withstand a late Greater Western Sydney Giants charge.

Jai Newcombe, Will Day and Cam McKenzie drove Hawthorn’s midfield dominance, helping the Hawks win clearances 54-29. Jack Ginnivan also played an important role as Hawthorn created enough scoring chances to hold on.

Giants Hit By More Injury Pain

Greater Western Sydney Giants’ injury list grew again in a brutal second quarter.

Gruzewski, returning from a hand injury, suffered a patella dislocation and was helped from the field in clear pain. Daniels then limped off with a calf issue and was visibly distressed on the bench with ice on his leg.

The Giants were already missing Tom Green, Josh Kelly, Jack Buckley, Darcy Jones and Jesse Hogan, leaving 15 names on their injury list.

Despite Clayton Oliver, Finn Callaghan and Toby Greene working through midfield, Greater Western Sydney could not match Hawthorn’s stoppage power for long enough. The Giants sit 6-9 and now face a tough road to the wildcard round.

Hawthorn remain third before facing Melbourne Football Club in Launceston next Saturday.