New Hawk ready to rile up rivals alongside Ginnivan

Hawthorn draftee Nick Watson says it is his goal while playing AFL to become the league’s most annoying competitor and he’ll take any tips he can get from new teammate Jack Ginnivan.

The small forward who was taken by the Hawks with the No.5 pick in the 2023 AFL Draft has made it his mission to get “under opponents’ skin” when he steps on field.

Described as an ‘Energiser bunny’, Watson, who also acquired the nickname of ‘The Wizard’ in his draft year, began training with Hawthorn on Monday.

Watson, who booted more than 70 goals in his draft year, says he is ready to bring his junior talent to the biggest stage of all.

Nick Watson was presented his jumper by Hawthorn legend Michael Tuck.

“Just keeping active, always on my feet, I don’t mind getting under opponents’ skin. I am sure I will bring that to the next level,” he said.

As for being a pest for opponents in the forward line, Watson believes his annoying tactics are a key part of his game style and why Hawthorn drafted him.

“Yeah, that has just sort of come into my game over the last couple of years. It’s the role I play,” he said.

The 18-year-old says he won’t even shy away from getting physical as well as verbal on field.

“After I kick a goal, I like to go back, if they are coming at me. It’s probably a bit of school footy because school footy is a bit like that,” he said.

Jack Ginnivan was known for riling up his opponents during his time at Collingwood

“Sometimes a bit of confidence comes into it (frustrating opponents).”

Watson will line up next to ex-Collingwood premiership forward Ginnivan, who was traded to Hawthorn before the draft, and was also known for riling up opponents during his time with the Magpies.

He believes the pair will cause chaos in the budding Hawks forward line.

“I used to go for Collingwood, but, obviously, it’s good working alongside him. I will get a few tips off him as well,” Watson said.

“Just the way he gets under the skin [of opponents]. I have been watching the last couple of days – he is a good crumber as well. I will learn off him pretty well.”