Conor Nash is one of those tall midfielders that AFL recruiters l9ove these days, clocking in at 198cm and capable of competing as a second ruck at times. At the age of 25 he has had more than enough preseasons to build up his bulk to provide heft under packs, but he has been surpassed in output by every other Hawthorn engine room worker. His role has devolved to more of a defensive inside mid, but he never looks like he is doing a hard tag even when his nominal opponent is carving up the Hawks from stoppages. He is in danger of losing job security at this rate.
Conor Nash is one of those tall midfielders that AFL recruiters l9ove these days, clocking in at 198cm and capable of competing as a second ruck at times. At the age of 25 he has had more than enough preseasons to build up his bulk to provide heft under packs, but he has been surpassed in output by every other Hawthorn engine room worker. His role has devolved to more of a defensive inside mid, but he never looks like he is doing a hard tag even when his nominal opponent is carving up the Hawks from stoppages. He is in danger of losing job security at this rate.
Conor Nash is in his eighth season in the AFL and in a contract year, which means his market value as a free agent is as high as it is ever going to be. He is a defensive mid primarily, and also has the height that is highly valued among mids. Like most of the Hawthorn engine room he had a poor start to the 2024 campaign, but his form has not lifted along with most of his teammates upon the return of Will Day to the 22. Is Hawthorn preparing to make do without him, or is he a required player? On current form, he needs to lift to prove his worth.
Conor Nash was a late bloomer in the closing stages of Hawthorn's 2021 campaign, shifted from attack to midfield, playing a defensive role on opposition mids at times and on other days winning his own footy. Plenty of fantasy coaches took a gamble that this role was permanent going into 2022, and so it has proved, but his personal output has been less than impressive. He is firmly in the B rotation for mids at the Hawks, at a brigade which doesn't rate anywhere near the top, making him worthwhile only as a stepping stone whom you probably already stepped off.
Nash has some dash
Irish key forward Conor Nash produced an excellent third season at the Hawks, maintaining his position in the senior side from round 15 onwards. The former Gaelic player performed best in a two-goal, 12-touch outing against the Lions in round 19. Further development is necessary for Nash to continue with his role in the senior side, especially following the acquisition of Jonathon Patton. Key forwards rarely evolve into fantasy goliaths, the trend will continue with this Hawk.
Nash has a lash
Spending his junior career with a round ball, Conor Nash burst onto the scene as a key forward capable of providing a contest in the air and at ground level. Nash has required a steep learning curve over the past two seasons. Debuting in round 21, he produced a steady return, kicking two goals and averaging 11 touches per game. Still adapting to the oval ball, Nash struggled with kicking in registering a lowly 20% shot accuracy. Nash entered the side after Jarryd Roughead missed the clash with the Cats through an ankle injury. It remains to be seen whether Nash will remain in the starting side, although the likelihood is that preseason form will be instructive. Given the priority coach Alastair Clarkson places toward kicking skills, Nash will need to improve markedly to convince for a regular starting berth. He will be of little relevance from a fantasy perspective.
Grand Nash in all races
A significant hamstring injury forced Conor Nash to miss much of 2017. His only fantasy score above 55 came when booting two goals in one outing as a forward, with average of eight disposals in his more usual close-checking defensive role. Quick for his size and coming with strong foot skills as a Gaelic convert, Nash’s biggest growth area will come in his match understanding. Another year of development will be a success for the coaching staff, leaving fantasy drafters to look elsewhere.
