Hawthorn young guns Nick Watson and Josh Weddle have been recognised among the league's emerging stars by being voted in this year's AFL Players' Association's 22Under22 side. 

Watson and Weddle joined Jack Ginnivan and Josh Ward in being named in the initial 40-player squad, with fans voting on the final team. 

After being selected in the squad for the first time, Watson has now earned his first team selection, adding to the excitement of recently inking a contract extension with the club to keep him in the brown and gold until at least the end of 2029. 

The 20-year-old has missed just one game in 2025, continuing his steady improvement as one of the game's most electric small forwards. 

The Hawks goalkicker is averaging 1.5 majors (ranked elite) as well as 11 disposals per match. 

With 31 goals for the season so far, Watson sits third on the Hawks' goalkicking tally.

Following his second straight squad selection, Weddle also joins Watson in being selected in the final 22under22 team for the first time. 

Despite not featuring at AFL level since Round 16, fans have backed the 21-year-old following averages of 16.5 disposals, 7.5 handballs and 4.9 marks from 15 games this year. 

The versatile youngster has also spent time in the ruck and in the forward line in 2025, with eight majors to his name.