Hawks’ Nick Watson Accused of Coke Zero Can Throw During AFL Clash

Nick Watson, the electrifying forward for the Hawthorn Football Club, has accused Sydney Swans supporters of throwing a full soft drink can at him during a heated finish to their Australian Football League (AFL) clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday night. The incident occurred immediately after Watson kicked a goal after the siren to seal a 14.15 (99) to 13.4 (82) victory for the Hawks.

According to Watson, the can – a Coke Zero – was thrown from the section of the stadium occupied by Sydney’s cheer squad. “They were throwing Coke Zero cans out there… I saw one just head straight past me,” Watson told Nova radio on Friday. “I dunno what happened with the guy but… it just landed right next to us. Lucky it didn’t hit any players, but yeah, a few players saw it.”

The 21-year-old, nicknamed “The Wizard” for his attacking flair, acknowledged his own role in provoking the crowd, stating, “I mean, I was giving them heaps, but I’m not sure a Coke Zero bottle to the face in return would’ve been nice.” Watson is known for engaging with opposition fans, describing it as “good for the game” and “a bit of fun” in close contests.

The incident comes as Watson continues to establish himself as a key player for Hawthorn. Drafted with the fifth overall pick in the 2023 AFL draft, the Eastern Ranges product made his debut in round one of the 2024 season against Essendon. He earned an AFL Rising Star nomination in round 19 of that year, collecting 12 disposals and kicking three goals in a dominant performance against Collingwood.

Despite the incident with the thrown can, Watson played a significant role in Hawthorn’s come-from-behind win over the Swans. He overcame heavy knocks to his hip and head during the third quarter to contribute to a strong final term, where the Hawks outscored Sydney 5.5 to 1.1. Watson’s performance underscored his resilience and importance to the Hawthorn lineup.

The victory over Sydney was particularly significant for Hawthorn, who, along with the Swans, are among the ten teams facing an early-season bye due to their participation in the Opening Round. Watson expressed some frustration with the early bye, noting, “We’ll not say it’s a disadvantage because we don’t want to have that mentality. But people can lose momentum, which is annoying. It’s so weird having a bye this early.”

Hawthorn’s next match is scheduled for Easter Monday against Geelong. The team will be looking to build on their strong start to the season and maintain their momentum despite the upcoming break. Watson’s ability to perform under pressure, both on and off the field, will be crucial to their success.

Watson’s journey to the AFL has been marked by consistent goal-kicking prowess. Before being drafted, he was the leading goalscorer for Caulfield Grammar in the APS competition and also topped the charts for VicMetro in the 2023 National Championships. His junior football career included stints with Montrose and East Ringwood in the Eastern Football League.

The AFL has not yet commented on the incident involving the thrown can. However, the league is likely to investigate the matter, given the potential for serious injury and the importance of maintaining a safe environment for players and spectators. The incident serves as a reminder of the passionate and sometimes volatile, atmosphere that surrounds AFL matches.

Watson’s ability to thrive in such an environment, although also acknowledging the line between spirited competition and unacceptable behavior, is a testament to his character and maturity. His performance on the field, coupled with his engaging personality, has quickly made him a fan favorite for Hawthorn supporters and a player to watch for the future.