As the AFL home-and-away season concludes and finals approach, clubs across the league are weighing up their strongest line-ups. For Hawthorn, securing a vital top-four finish has brought welcome selection dilemmas as coach Sam Mitchell and his match committee prepare for their upcoming Qualifying Final against Fremantle.
Following a win against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2026, Mitchell confirmed that star forward Nick Watson will be available to face the Dockers. Watson was managed during the final term of Sunday's match after playing limited minutes in the third quarter, but Mitchell assured supporters the lively forward is fully fit following routine workload management.
Hawthorn also faces crucial decisions regarding their ruck combination to counter Fremantle's tall options. Lloyd Meek has shouldered the primary ruck duties this season with support from Mabior Chol and Ned Reeves, while versatile players like Josh Weddle have drifted into various roles.
Meanwhile, mid-season recruit Max Beattie has pushed his case for finals selection following an impressive outing against the Eagles in just his second AFL appearance, finishing with 15 touches, two goals, and two goal assists. With potential inclusions waiting in the wings, Mitchell acknowledged that having a selection squeeze is a positive position for any top-four side to be in as September action looms.