Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell praised 170cm forward Nick Watson as he pursues an unlikely Coleman Medal, sitting third with 52 goals ahead of a clash against Brisbane.
Hawthorn's penultimate AFL season in Launceston brings mixed emotions as the club prepares to leave after 25 years, impacting the local economy and community already facing other business closures, despite hopes for the new Tasmania Devils team.
St Kilda leads Sydney 8.7 (55) to 6.6 (42) at halftime in their AFL round 21 match, with the Swans struggling without injured midfielder James Rowbottom. Meanwhile, North Melbourne leads Hawthorn 4.2 (26) to 1.3 (9) in Launceston.
Western Bulldogs secure a 57-point win over Richmond (15.15 to 7.6), with Ed Richards and Marcus Bontempelli leading the charge. Sydney Swans dominate the Giants 21.13 to 13.10, with Errol Gulden earning his fourth Kirk-Ward Medal.
Essendon player Nate Caddy is cleared to play against Hawthorn on Saturday following a heart scare, with medical staff confirming no risk. Meanwhile, Carlton's Harry McKay will miss their match against Gold Coast due to a minor knee tear and bone bruising, after initial speculation about his injury.
