A host of Hawks have been recognised for their efforts in 2026 across a range of club awards.
Emerging defender Noah Mraz took home the Most Promising award.
In his second season, the 20-year-old broke through for his AFL debut in Round 17 this year, finishing with a game-high 12 marks, including six contested grabs—which set a new AFL record.
He went on to play a further three games at AFL level before being sidelined with a kidney injury. He would return in time for the VFL finals series and play a crucial role in Box Hill’s remarkable run, which culminated in a premiership.
In his four total AFL games, Mraz averaged 15 disposals, 4.8 spoils, three intercept marks, and three tackles, showcasing his enormous potential in brown and gold.
Connor Macdonald was named Hawthorn’s Most Improved following a strong 2026 campaign.
Macdonald suited up in all 25 games for the Hawks in 2026. Taking on more responsibility through the midfield, he averaged 20.7 disposals, 4.5 marks, and 3.2 tackles per game this season.
His best game by the numbers came in Round 19 against Richmond, where he racked up a career-high 33 disposals as well as a career-high 10 marks.
In addition to finding plenty of the footy, Macdonald continued his potency in the front half, hitting the scoreboard across 12 games, with a season-high three goals in Round 8 against Collingwood.
A key cog in the Hawks' line-up, Lloyd Meek was recognised as Most Courageous for 2026.
Meek played all 25 possible matches for the brown and gold, asserting himself as the Hawks' dominant ruckman.
The 28-year-old averaged 26 hitouts, 11.7 disposals, and 3.6 clearances. Statistically, his best game came in Round 18 against Carlton with a season-high 49 hitouts, a game-high 10 clearances, and a team-high 10 tackles.
Despite missing the second half of the season through injury, Conor Nash was recognised as the Best Clubman.
The 28-year-old midfielder played just 10 games in 2026, starting his season strongly with a performance of 23 disposals, seven clearances, and five marks against Essendon in Round 1.
After battling a nerve issue in his neck, Nash’s final game would come in Round 11—but his influence on the group remained as strong as ever.
In the latter half of the season while undergoing rehab, Nash demonstrated his selflessness and team-first mindset by staying involved with his teammates during the week and on game day.
Small forward Nick Watson had his magic on full show in the month of September, taking out the Best in Finals Award.
The 21-year-old continued his All-Australian form into Hawthorn’s two finals against Fremantle and the Brisbane Lions.
The Qualifying Final at Optus Stadium saw him boot two goals from 19 disposals, which included a game-high nine score involvements and five inside 50s.
Then, on Preliminary Final weekend, Watson elevated his game even higher and slotted a career-high six majors from 16 disposals, which included 11 score involvements, 12 contested possessions, and five clearances.
Watson also took home the coveted Lethal Award, as voted by his teammates.
In a season that saw the small forward become the youngest Hawk to earn an All-Australian blazer since Luke Hodge in 2005, Watson was also recognised by his peers as the most valuable Hawk.
Of his 23 games played, Watson averaged 2.7 goals a game to finish the season with a career-high 63 goals and rank fifth in the Coleman Medal count.
In his first season in brown and gold, Flynn Perez was recognised as the Hawks Community Leadership Award recipient, supported by the Mackenzie Family.
Perez has demonstrated a profound commitment to using his platform to foster genuine inclusion, particularly through his passionate work with the club’s All Abilities programs.
Complemented by a background in disability support work, Perez’s commitment extended well beyond standard duties. This included cheering on the team at the AFL Wheelchair Grand Final and offering practical coaching and training support to Australian blind cricket athletes. Perez continually ensured everyone felt recognised and respected as an athlete in their own right.
Hawthorn’s 2026 Club Award Winners:
Most Promising - Noah Mraz
Most Improved - Connor Macdonald
Most Courageous - Lloyd Meek
Best Clubman - Conor Nash
Best Finals Player - Nick Watson
Lethal Award – Nick Watson
Community Leadership Award - Flynn Perez
