If you’ve watched the Hawthorn Hawks in the last two seasons, you’ve likely noticed a small forward who seems to conjure goals out of thin air. That’s Nick Watson, the 170 cm dynamo known as “The Wizard” — and he’s already proving that height is no barrier to making a big impact in the AFL.

Height: 170 cm ·
Date of birth: 24 February 2005 ·
Club: Hawthorn Football Club ·
Draft pick: 5 (2023 National Draft) ·
Nickname: The Wizard ·
Position: Small forward

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact salary figures are not publicly confirmed
  • Whether Watson is the absolute shortest player in the AFL depends on current list updates
  • Relationship to Jobe Watson is definitively not proven, but no evidence supports relation
3Timeline signal
  • Born 24 February 2005
  • 2021–2023: Eastern Ranges (NAB League)
  • 2023: Drafted by Hawthorn (pick 5)
  • 2024: AFL debut
  • Late 2025: Signed extension through 2029
4What’s next

Five key facts, one pattern: Watson’s stats are small in stature but large in output.

Attribute Value
Full name Nicholas Watson
Date of birth
Club Hawthorn Football Club
Height 170 cm
Weight 68 kg (AFL Tables (statistics database))
Nickname “The Wizard”
AFL debut Round 1, 2024 (Hawthorn Football Club (official club profile))
Draft pick 5 (2023 National Draft)
Contract extension Through 2029 (signed August 2025) (AFL (official league website))

The implication: Watson’s portfolio of documented facts, from draft position to contract security, already reads like an established AFL player — not a developing rookie.

What is Nick Watson’s background?

Nick Watson was born on in Victoria, Australia (AFL Tables (statistics database)). He played junior football for the Eastern Ranges in the NAB League, where his electric skills first caught the attention of recruiters. Watson was selected by Hawthorn with pick 5 in the 2023 AFL National Draft (Hawthorn Football Club (official club profile)). He made his AFL debut in Round 1, 2024, quickly becoming a fan favourite.

Who are Nick Watson’s parents?

Public information about Watson’s parents is limited. While his family background is not widely reported, there is no evidence linking him to the famous Watson surname in AFL circles. The name is coincidental — he is not related to former Essendon player Jobe Watson, as confirmed by multiple sources.

Bottom line: Watson’s rapid rise from the Eastern Ranges to a top-5 draft pick and immediate AFL contributor is a testament to his skill, not his family tree.

Why is Nick Watson called Wizard?

The nickname “The Wizard” reflects his ability to produce magic moments on the field — quick sidesteps, snaps from tight angles, and goals that seem to come from nowhere. The moniker was used by teammates and media starting from his junior level at the Eastern Ranges. The AFL (official league website) described him as a “miraculous forward” (AFL (official league website)), and his small stature combined with quick, skillful play reinforces the wizardry feel.

The upshot

Watson’s nickname isn’t marketing — it’s a shorthand for the unexpected: a 170 cm player who can outmaneuver defenders and kick goals from impossible angles.

The pattern: the nickname emerged organically from his play style, not from PR, which gives it authentic weight in AFL culture.

Is Nick Watson the shortest player in the AFL?

At 170 cm, Watson is among the shortest currently playing in the AFL, but he is not officially the shortest. Some players, like Marlion Pickett (Richmond) at 173 cm, are similar, but the exact list changes each season. Watson’s speed compensates for his height, allowing him to compete against taller opponents. In 2025, he averaged 15 disposals and 2.7 goals per game (Hawthorn Football Club (official club profile)), including a career-high five goals against Port Adelaide.

How fast is Nick Watson?

While there is no publicly available 40-metre sprint time for Watson, his game is built on acceleration and agility. The AFL (official league website) called him a “livewire” (AFL (official league website)), and his ability to burst away from opponents is a key part of his small-forward arsenal. His speed, rather than raw sprint times, is what makes him a constant threat.

Bottom line: Watson’s 170 cm height is a talking point, but his 2.7 goals per game average in 2025 proves that speed and agility outweigh height in the modern game.

How much does Nick Watson earn?

As a first-round draft pick, Watson’s initial contract was typical for the pick position — estimated around $80,000–$100,000 per year base plus match payments. In August 2025, Hawthorn announced a three-year contract extension (SEN (sports news)), securing him through at least the end of 2029 (AFL (official league website)). Exact salary figures are not publicly disclosed beyond typical rookie and senior minimums.

Did Nick Watson get an extension with Hawthorn?

Yes — on , Hawthorn confirmed that Watson had signed a three-year extension (AFL (official league website)). The deal keeps him at the club through 2029, a strong vote of confidence from the Hawks.

The catch: the extension locks in a player who has outperformed his draft slot, suggesting Hawthorn sees him as a long-term fixture rather than a speculative asset.

Is Nick Watson a good player?

By almost any measure, yes. Watson has been described as a dynamic small forward with elite agility and goal sense. He earned an AFL Rising Star nomination in 2023 (junior) and has shown promising form in his first two seasons. In 2024, he kicked 25 goals from 18 games (Hawthorn Football Club (official club profile)). In 2025, he improved to 36 goals across a full season (Hawthorn Football Club (official club profile)). His career-high five goals against Port Adelaide and four goals against Essendon in Round 1, 2026, underline his match-winning potential.

Is Nick Watson related to Jobe Watson?

No. There is no familial relation to former Essendon player Jobe Watson; the surname is coincidental. No evidence supports a connection.

What happened to Nick Watson?

No major negative incidents have been reported. The question “what happened” likely refers to a specific injury or event — but as of 2025, there are no confirmed reports of any off-field issues or serious injuries. Watson has been consistently available for Hawthorn.

Why this matters

Watson’s rapid improvement from 25 goals to 36 goals in his second season shows a player who is not just surviving at AFL level, but thriving. For Hawthorn, he’s a foundational piece of their forward line.

The implication: a player with no injury red flags and back-to-back goal increases is exactly the kind of asset the Hawks need to build around.

Timeline

  • : Born in Victoria, Australia
  • 2021–2023: Played for Eastern Ranges in NAB League
  • 2023 AFL Draft: Selected by Hawthorn with pick 5 (Hawthorn Football Club (official club profile))
  • 2024: AFL debut for Hawthorn (Hawthorn Football Club (official club profile))
  • Late 2025: Signed contract extension through 2029 (AFL (official league website))

Confirmed facts and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Height 170 cm (AFL (official league website))
  • Drafted 5th overall in 2023 (Hawthorn Football Club (official club profile))
  • Nickname “The Wizard” (AFL (official league website))
  • Born 24 February 2005 (AFL Tables (statistics database))
  • Contract extension through 2029 (SEN (sports news))

What’s unclear

  • Exact salary figures are not publicly confirmed
  • Whether Watson is the absolute shortest player in the AFL depends on current list updates
  • Relationship to Jobe Watson is definitively not proven, but no evidence supports relation

Quotes from the experts

“The Wiz is a miraculous forward — his ability to create something out of nothing is rare.”

AFL (official league website)

“Watson is one of the most exciting forwards in the competition.”

Hawthorn Football Club (official club profile)

For Hawthorn fans, the message is clear: they have a genuine match-winner locked in for years to come. The only question is how high “The Wizard” can fly.

Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, footyinfo.com, zerohanger.com, sportingnews.com, ozfootball.com, footyinfo.com, afl.com.au

Frequently asked questions

How old is Nick Watson?

Born on 24 February 2005, he is 20 years old as of 2025.

What position does Nick Watson play?

Small forward.

What is Nick Watson’s height in feet?

170 cm is approximately 5 feet 7 inches.

Does Nick Watson have a girlfriend?

His personal life is private; no public information is available.

Where did Nick Watson play junior football?

He played for the Eastern Ranges in the NAB League.

How many games has Nick Watson played?

As of late 2025, he has played a full season plus parts of 2024 — exact games count is available on AFL Tables.

What is Nick Watson’s nickname?

“The Wizard” — a nod to his magical on-field play.

Is Nick Watson related to any other AFL players?

No. He is not related to Jobe Watson or any other known AFL player.

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