Nick Watson has capped off a sensational year by winning his first Peter Crimmins Medal at Crown Palladium on Saturday night.

The 21-year-old was the runaway winner, polling 150 votes to finish ahead of Hawthorn Co-Captain Jai Newcombe (131 votes) and All-Australian defender Jarman Impey (123 votes).

Connor Macdonald (121 votes) and Josh Ward (117 votes) finished in the top five for the first time, while Blake Hardwick (109 votes), Massimo D’Ambrosio (108 votes), Jack Gunston (108 votes), Dylan Moore (107 votes) and James Sicily (105 votes) rounded out the top 10.

In just his third season, Watson becomes the ninth-youngest Hawk ever to claim a Peter Crimmins Medal, and the first 21-year-old winner since Lance Franklin in 2008.

The mercurial forward booted 63 goals from his 23 games this season, earned a maiden All-Australian blazer, and became the first player in 80 years measuring under 170cm to kick 50+ goals.

Following three five-goal hauls in 2026, Watson saved his best for one of the biggest stages in football on Preliminary Final weekend, where he booted a career-best six majors to very nearly drag his side over the line.

That performance saw Watson earn Hawthorn’s Best Player in Finals award, alongside a perfect 12 Peter Crimmins Medal votes—a feat only achieved on rare occasions for an exceptional performance.

Along with his freakish ability in front of goal, the ‘Wizard’ weaved his magic further afield, averaging 13.7 disposals, 7.2 score involvements, 2.7 goals and 2.6 inside 50s per game.

Staking his claim as the league’s premier small forward, Watson ranked elite for goals and score involvements per game, and above average for inside 50s per game.

Adding to his incredible year, Watson also claimed the AFL’s 2026 Mark of the Year for his breathtaking grab in Round 24 against the Eagles in the pouring rain.

In his first season as co-captain, Newcombe led from the front to produce another outstanding campaign and finish as runner-up.

Impressively, it’s Newcombe’s fourth Peter Crimmins Medal podium from his first five full seasons in the AFL after being picked up as a mid-season rookie in 2021.

Playing every game possible in 2026, the 25-year-old averaged 25.5 disposals, 6.2 score involvements, 4.1 tackles and 3.9 inside 50s per outing.

Newcombe solidified his status as one of the league’s most dominant midfielders, ranking second in the AFL for total clearances and fourth for contested possessions.

Fresh from claiming his maiden All-Australian blazer last month, Impey rounded out the Peter Crimmins Medal podium in third place.

In his 13th season at AFL level, Impey has now claimed two podium finishes in the past three years.

The proud Yorta Yorta man featured in 23 matches this year, averaging 22.5 disposals, 6.6 marks, 5.7 intercept possessions, 4.3 rebound 50s, 4.1 score involvements, 3.2 inside 50s and 448.2 metres gained per game.

Remarkably, the 31-year-old was ranked elite in average marks, intercept possessions and inside 50s for his position, while ranking above average for disposals, rebound 50s, score involvements and metres gained.

The dashing defender’s best performance came in Round 20, where he recorded a career-best 37 disposals and became the first Hawthorn player in history to record 35+ disposals, have 800+ metres gained, and total 10+ score involvements.

Impey received an outstanding 11 Peter Crimmins Medal votes for that game alone.

Along with Watson winning Best Finals Player, he also took home the coveted Lethal Award, voted on by his peers. 

The rest of the 2026 club award winners were Noah Mraz (Most Promising), Connor Macdonald (Most Improved), Lloyd Meek (Most Courageous), Conor Nash (Best Clubman) and Flynn Perez (Hawks Community Leadership Award, supported by the MacKenzie Family). 

2026 Peter Crimmins Medal top 10

1. Nick Watson - 150 votes
2. Jai Newcombe - 131 votes
3. Jarman Impey - 123 votes
4. Connor Macdonald - 121 votes
5. Josh Ward - 117 votes
6. Blake Hardwick - 109 votes
=7. Massimo D’Ambrosio - 108 votes
=7. Jack Gunston - 108 votes
9. Dylan Moore - 107 votes
10. James Sicily - 105 votes 

2026 Peter Crimmins Medal club award winners 

Lethal Award: Nick Watson 
Most Promising: Noah Mraz 
Most Improved: Connor Macdonald 
Most Courageous: Lloyd Meek
Best Clubman: Conor Nash 
Community Leadership Award: Flynn Perez

Peter Crimmins Medal voting criteria 

Coaches gave:  

  • One vote to players who played their role or beat their opponent.
  • Two votes for those who had a significant influence on the game.
  • Three votes to the best player or players on the ground.
  • And, on rare occasions, a player or players might receive four votes for an exceptional game.