A host of Hawks have been nominated for a series of AFL Players’ Association Awards following stellar 2026 seasons. 

Star defender Jarman Impey, electric forward Nick Watson and inspirational co-captain Jai Newcombe are in the mix to win the AFL Players’ Most Valuable Player Award. 

Impey’s run off half-back powered the Hawks into attack throughout the year, with impressive averages of 23.6 disposals, seven marks and 4.5 rebound 50s telling the story of his success. 

Watson has consistently turned heads inside 50 this season with his breakneck speed, mercurial goal sense and admirable courage, finishing with 55 majors from his 21 games in 2026. 

Newcombe has led from the front in Hawthorn’s engine room, recording 26 disposals, a league-leading 7.6 clearances, 6.4 score involvements and 4.0 inside 50s across all 23 matches in the brown and gold this season. 

The 25-year-old joins fellow co-skipper James Sicily in being nominated for the league’s Best Captain. 

Among the other categories, young Hawk Jack Dalton is in the running to be crowned the AFL Players’ Best First Year Player. 

The first-year Hawk suited up in five games across the home-and-away season, averaging 11.2 disposals and 3.8 marks per game to be ranked elite for his position in the latter stat category. 

Rounding out the AFLPA award nominees is 2025 All-Australian Josh Battle, who is in the running to be crowned the league’s Most Courageous Player. 

In his second season as a Hawk, Battle continued to nullify some of the league’s most dangerous forwards while putting his body on the line on countless occasions. 

His courage was on full display when he seamlessly returned from appendix surgery to help guide Hawthorn to a top-four finish. 

The final award winners will be unveiled at the AFL’s Awards night on Tuesday 25 August. 

HAWTHORN AFLPA AWARD NOMINEES 

AFL Players’ Most Valuable Player Award: Jai Newcombe, Jarman Impey, Nick Watson
AFL Players’ Best First Year Player Award, proudly presented by P3 Recovery: Jack Dalton
AFL Players’ Best Captain Award, proudly presented by Chartered Accountants: Jai Newcombe, James Sicily
AFL Players’ Most Courageous Player Award, proudly presented by Tackle Your Feelings: Josh Battle