Hawks' Mitchell: Watson mastering footy's toughest role
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says young forward Nick Watson is learning to navigate one of the hardest roles in Australian Rules football, after a five-goal performance helped sink North Melbourne in Launceston on Saturday.
Watson kicked an equal-career best five goals in the Hawks' 16-point victory, moving him to second on the Coleman Medal leaderboard. Mitchell praised the 20-year-old's persistence under heavy defensive attention and unfavourable match-ups.
Small forward's game of opportunities
Mitchell said Watson's ability to work through difficult circumstances was key to his development. He is playing on much bigger, stronger opponents each week and must find ways to combat that through the game.
Every week he gets a match-up and a fair bit of attention, Mitchell noted, adding that for a player so young, Watson works his way through it pretty well. The coach described the small forward role as very difficult to be consistent in, but said Watson was really important on Saturday. The five goals he kicked were more than enough to be the difference in the game.
Forward line potency a growing strength
Watson's five-goal haul came in quick bursts, with three goals in the second quarter and two more in the third. Veteran forward Jack Gunston, despite a rare off day finishing with 2.5, sits fourth on the Coleman leaderboard with 49 goals for the season.
Mitchell said having two players in that top bracket makes the forward line more difficult to defend. He also noted Aidan Schubert and Mabior Chol contributed important goals, adding that the potency of the forward line is something the team is building on.
North Melbourne's finals hopes fading
North Melbourne's fifth straight loss leaves them one game and significant percentage adrift of the wildcard spots. Coach Alastair Clarkson said his side's inability to convert key chances highlighted the gap still to bridge.
Clarkson said the team was pleased to compete for so long deep into the game, but disappointed that when chances were there to kick a goal or connect, the polish to complete plays was missing. That is a hallmark of a good side, he said, taking chances when they are there. We are getting closer but not quite there yet.
He pointed to specific missed opportunities, including a Bailey Scott shot from the goal square that tickled the post, a Finn O'Sullivan snap in the last quarter, and a Jack Darling mark 30 metres out when two goals down. At AFL level those shots and opportunities should be executed, Clarkson said.
What lies ahead for both sides
North Melbourne faces a tough run home with games against the Western Bulldogs, Geelong and Sydney to close out the season. Hawthorn faces a stern test on Friday night against reigning premiers Brisbane, followed by matches against Collingwood and West Coast.
The Hawks' forward line potency, led by Watson and Gunston, will be crucial as they push towards finals contention.
Frequently asked questions
How many goals did Nick Watson kick against North Melbourne?
Nick Watson kicked an equal-career best five goals in Hawthorn's 16-point victory over North Melbourne on Saturday.
Where does Watson sit on the Coleman Medal leaderboard?
Watson moved to second spot on the Coleman Medal leaderboard after his five-goal haul.
What did Alastair Clarkson say about North Melbourne's performance?
Clarkson said his side's inability to convert key chances highlighted the gap it still needs to bridge, pointing to specific missed opportunities that should have been executed at AFL level.