During this pre-season, the Hawks have been excited by the fitness and availability of Will Day for Opening Round and the continued improvement and development of the younger brigade of midfielders including former first-round picks Cam Mackenzie and Josh Ward.
However, an unsung midfielder has looked to add another string to his bow throughout the match simulations that will please Hawks fans.
While Jai Newcombe, James Worpel and Will Day often get the plaudits for their work at the coalface and their ability to hit the scoreboard, it is Irishman Conor Nash who is looking to add more scoring potential to his game to complement his midfield teammates.
Nash, a former junior Irish Rugby Union fullback, has looked to add more dimensions to his play over this pre-season.
Standing at 197cm, Nash has often been criticised for his inability to take contested marks above his head and not being able to utilise his size to the best of his ability. However, if the last month of match simulation is anything to go by, this looks to be a thing of the past.
During Hawthorn's recent camp to Torquay, Nash excelled during match simulation. His ability to be a threat in the air was on show, taking contested marks while resting in the forward line and converting those opportunities truly.
Not often known for his goalkicking, having kicked 17 goals in his AFL career, when he converted it brought a loud cheer from his teammates and was rewarded for his continued improvement in this facet.
On Saturday at Waverley Park, during Hawthorn's unofficial intra-club hitout, Nash again continued to show that he is more comfortable with taking contested marks above his head, using his height advantage against other midfielders to shine, in an area that will add another dimension to his role at Hawthorn.
He also flexed his improved kicking into the forward 50, hitting targets and putting the ball into dangerous areas which gave the forwards an advantage.
Nash has been a project player during his time at Hawthorn, starting off as a small pressure forward in 2018 for the Hawks under Alastair Clarkson, where he featured in Hawthorn's finals series.
After struggling to consistently perform at AFL level, he was reborn as a midfielder in 2021 under the tutelage of Sam Mitchell, who was then coach of the Hawks' VFL affiliate Box Hill.
Nash flourished in his role, using his rugby background to help him shine in the tight clinches as a big-bodied inside midfielder. He has since become a consistent part of the Hawks' midfield over the past three years, playing in 69 out of a possible 70 games.
Known by most in the AFL for his defensive prowess, where his bone-rattling tackles and ability to stop opposition midfielders has become a calling card of the man from County Meath, he has often been used by coach Sam Mitchell as a run-with player to stop the impact of star midfielders including the likes of Marcus Bontempelli and Lachie Neale.
Nash's importance to the team and his standing in Mitchell's game plan was evident last year when the club fought to retain his services. He turned his back on offers from rival clubs as a free agent, signing a five-year extension to remain at the Hawks until at least 2029.
While Nash will no doubt continue to use his body to impact defensively this year, he will look to become another scoring threat for the Hawks in season 2025.
He will get his first opportunity to showcase his new strengths against a rival next Monday when the Hawks take on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in the first of two practice matches.
Hawthorn's official start to the AFL season comes against the Swans on Friday, March 7 at the SCG.
