The ‘special’ qualities that earned Nick Watson a kiss on the head from his coach

Hawthorn co-captain Jai Newcombe has declared Nick Watson has the potential to be stamped “Mr September”, as the dynamic small forward looks to continue his match-winning form in a preliminary final against Brisbane on Saturday.

The man dubbed The Wizard was superb in the Hawks’ stunning road win over Fremantle in their qualifying final, delivering two goals and two goal assists among his 19 possessions, and 447 metres gained.

There was almost a late entry for goal of the year, while another passage of play where he gathered a ground ball, handballed to himself, and then set up a goal that had the football world in awe.

“Yeah, he has got the skills to do whatever he wants,” Newcombe told this masthead when asked if Watson could finish as Mr September.

“He’s pretty special and has big influences on games, and the outcomes of games, so the title is all his if he wants it.”

Watson booted seven goals in two finals in 2024, and had four goals in three finals last year.

The Hawks are confident he can put on a show against the Lions, having been held goalless and to only nine disposals by Noah Answerth when the teams last met in round 22, the Lions storming to a 67-point win at the Gabba.

Watson has been central to the Hawks returning to their second preliminary final in as many years, booting 57 goals, trailing only Jack Gunston (61). His ability to create for teammates has also been outstanding, his excitement factor ensuring he has box office appeal.

Newcombe said Watson’s struggles against the Lions, only the fourth time he had been goalless this season, would not worry him.

“I think he’s pretty good with the ‘windscreen wipers’,” Newcombe said of Watson’s ability to clear his mind after a modest game.

“The Wiz, he deals with a lot more than the rest of us do, just in the media, in general. So, I mean, he’s been targeted different times, and he’s been able to still perform well. It’s hard to dominate every week, and yeah, he was quiet last time. Noah did a great job. If he comes in, no doubt, Wiz will be prepped for that.”

So rapt was Sam Mitchell with Watson after the Perth victory that Mitchell, a renowned hard marker in his playing days, gave Watson a kiss on the head.

The Lions, seeking a fourth-straight grand final appearance, and a flag three-peat, have the edge on their opponents, having prevailed in their past three meetings. But this will the first time the Brisbane Lions and Hawks have met in a final.

“Clearly, we’re good enough - it’s just a matter of getting out there and performing now,” Newcombe said.