As anticipation builds for the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft, set to kick off on November 20, it’s a fitting moment to look back on the journeys of Hawthorn’s standout picks from last year’s draft. With the Hawks holding picks 33, 71, and 77 this year, let’s revisit how some promising young talents – Nick Watson, Will McCabe, Bodie Ryan, and Calsher Dear – fared in their debut seasons.
Nick Watson – Pick 5 Starting strong with his Round 1 debut, Nick Watson, selected at Pick 5, quickly demonstrated his exciting potential. Over 18 AFL games, Watson averaged 10.8 disposals, 3.1 marks, and 2.5 tackles, with a tally of 25 goals. His standout performance in the Elimination Final against the Western Bulldogs, featuring 11 disposals, 6 marks, and 4 goals, highlighted his rising skill. Watson’s consistent progress earned him a Rising Star nomination for his stellar Round 19 game against Collingwood, and he was later awarded Hawthorn’s Most Promising Player in the Peter Crimmins Medal ceremony, signaling a bright future for the energetic small forward.
Will McCabe – Pick 19 Though an injury-plagued year limited his playtime, Will McCabe showed resilience and potential when he finally debuted for Hawthorn’s VFL team in Round 15. Over seven games, he averaged 10.7 disposals and 3.9 marks, including a standout performance in Round 21 against Werribee, where he collected 13 disposals, 5 marks, and 3 tackles. Despite his back issue, McCabe’s efforts in the latter half of the season left a strong impression, giving Hawks fans plenty of hope for his senior debut next season.
Bodie Ryan – Pick 46 Bodie Ryan proved to be a valuable addition to the Box Hill squad, taking on challenging defensive assignments throughout his 19-game season in the VFL. Known for his speed and play-making ability from the back, Ryan was entrusted with some tough matchups against dangerous forwards while also providing crucial run and support for the team. His best performance came in Round 21 against Werribee, where he racked up 23 disposals, 8 marks, and 4 tackles. With solid experience under his belt, Ryan is poised to return to training in November with a renewed drive to build on his impressive 2024 season.
Calsher Dear – Pick 56 Surpassing expectations, Calsher Dear played 17 AFL games in his debut year, contributing 25 goals and an average of 7 disposals, 2.7 marks, and 2.5 tackles per match. After breaking into the team in Round 8, Dear quickly adapted and showcased his goal-scoring prowess, notably in the Elimination Final against the Western Bulldogs, where he delivered 10 disposals, 5 marks, and 3 goals. A Rising Star nomination in Round 23 further highlighted his progression and potential, as he followed in the footsteps of his father, Norm Smith Medalist Paul Dear, delivering memorable performances that left fans excited about his future.
As we await this year’s draft, these young Hawks have set high standards for Hawthorn’s incoming talents. Tune in on November 20 and 21 to see who joins the ranks at Hawthorn, with coverage on Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, and live streams on afl.com.au and the AFL App. The journey of future stars begins now.