A brilliant 2024 season in the AFL ended in disappointment for Meath's Conor Nash, as Hawthorn narrowly lost their de-facto quarter final to Port Adelaide this morning.
The Hawks lost out 75-72 as a late long-range set-shot from skipper James Sicily hit the post, seeing 'the power' through to the semi-finals where they'll take on the Sydney Swans.
It was a thrilling game but having raced into a 15-2 lead by the end of the first quarter, Port Adelaide maintained their advantage despite a late rally from Hawthorn.
The 6ft 4in giant Nash had another fine season for Hawthorn, making 24 appearances and scoring a goal. Having signed for Hawthorn when he was 18, Nash has become a staple of the clubs' first team line-up and signed a five year deal back in July.
"A five-year deal is something I'm proud of and very honoured and privileged to accept. They don't get handed out too often. It is exciting. I can't wait to continue at Hawthorn," he said at the time.
Nash represented the Meath footballers at various underage grades before winning county senior titles for Simonstown Gaels in '16 and '17. He also played rugby for the Leinster U18s before leaving for Hawthorn, for whom he has now made 97 appearances.
"Dad got a call in early 2014. I was 15 at the time, heavily involved in the talent pathways with Gaelic football and rugby union, in particular," he said.
Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants, Saturday, 10.30am, live TNT Sports 2
The second quarter final clash takes place tomorrow morning at 10.30 Irish time, with two more Irish players potentially in action.
Both Conor McKenna and Darragh Joyce are named for the Brisbane Lions in the Sydney clash with the Tyrone man starting in the backs as Kilkenny's Joyce is listed as an emergency.
Centurion McKenna has been a key man for the Lions this year, picking up where he left off having previously starred for Essendon before returning to win an All-Ireland for Tyrone.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Harrison Petty of the Demons and Darragh Joyce of the Lions in action during the 2024 AFL Round 16 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Melbourne Demons at The Gabba on June 28, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Former Kilkenny minor hurler Joyce has made six appearances for Brisbane this season. Dubliner James Madden misses out for the Lions having not made an appearance this season, with Derry's Callum Brown also not making the cut for the GWS Giants. Brown made a brilliant start to the season but a three match ban picked up in May stalled his momentum and he has struggled for game-time since. The 24-year-old was suspended after a hit against Sydney Swans.
Geelong trio Zach Tuohy, Oisin Mullin and Mark O'Connor are straight through to the semi-finals, taking place next Saturday.
