Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Nick Watson injury concerns have ruled the Hawthorn Hawks forward out of Saturday night’s AFL clash with Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while Conor Nash faces a longer wait with a neck issue that could end his season.
Watson missed last weekend’s loss to Melbourne Demons with a minor hamstring injury, and Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said the club would not take a risk despite signs of progress.
The latest selection squeeze comes as finals pressure builds across the league, with Melbourne Demons finals talk on hold while clubs try to steady their late-season campaigns.
Hawthorn Take No Risk With Watson
Watson had been a chance to return against Carlton, but Hawthorn have chosen a cautious path with the livewire forward.
"On Tuesday he ran 88 per cent of his top speed, which is still faster than most of us," Mitchell said before Thursday morning training.
"But just from a confidence point of view, we don't feel like it's worth the risk with him - so he'll miss one more and he'll be available for next week."
The Hawks may still regain defensive help, with Karl Amon, Jarman Impey, Max Beattie, James Blanck and Finn Maginness facing fitness tests before the team is finalised.
Nash Facing Extended Absence
Nash has not played since round 10 due to a disc-related neck injury that has affected strength and power down one arm.
"It's pretty complicated ... its quite unusual, so we've had to go to some experts - he went to Sydney through the week and got some further treatment," Mitchell said.
"Now, he definitely won't play for a month ... but we have no timeline, so realistically he could miss the rest of this season.
"He's very frustrated. Nashy's rundown to me is we've sort of gotten to the bottom of what's happening and now it's about how to fix it."
Official AFL fixtures and ladder updates are available through the Australian Football League.
Hawks Look For Response
Hawthorn trailed Melbourne by 96 points last weekend before cutting the final margin to 35, and Mitchell said effort was the main issue.
"When you give behaviours like that, you get performances like that," he said.
Carlton have won seven straight under interim coach Josh Fraser, but Mitchell wants Hawthorn to strike back at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
"They're obviously in great form and Saturday night at the MCG, what better way to try and bring them back down."
