Hawthorn secured a precious 10.11.71 to 8.12. 60 victory over Geelong today in their AFL clash at the MCG that saw an impressive debut for Irish 20-year-old Conor Nash.
The result marks the Hawks fourth win in a row as they continue to push for a top-four spot. Nash took on a Geelong side that included Laois's Zach Tuohy and enjoyed a promising showing, with 3AW Football singling him out for praise at half-time. He was involved in the final run that saw Hawks star Jaeger O’Meara slot a goal and seal the victory.
JAEGER SLOTS IT! #AFLHawksCats pic.twitter.com/CEolBGh9gZ
— AFL (@AFL) August 11, 2018
Nash signed for the club in 2016, despite a possible contract with Leinster rugby's academy. The former Meath minor had impressed in the VFL over the past year and was rewarded for his form with a spot in today's line-up. His parents were in Melbourne for the game and appeared on 3AW at half-time.
The Family Club (Irish edition) 💛🇮🇪 #GameFaceOn pic.twitter.com/jK9HtThe5f
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) August 11, 2018
First kick on goal after he was fouled by Mark O’Connor from Kerry. pic.twitter.com/EhSa6njK2m
— Declan Lally (@LallyDec) August 11, 2018
#reallypleasing to see Conor Nash speeding to the Punt Rd end near the Olympic stand. #howfastwasthat? #AFLHawksCats
— Paulie 🚵🏼♂️🥃💉💉 💉 (@paulrosham) August 11, 2018
Conor Nash 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 #AFLHawksCats
— Sam♡ (@samantha_f33) August 11, 2018
Conor Nash started well
— Richard Ballard (@warnbells) August 11, 2018
Conor Nash is gooood. #AFLHawksCats
— ًpeter (@KingGutho) August 11, 2018
Nash is currently at the club with former Derry minor Conor Glass. The Meath man recently spoke to Balls.ie and described how he has been getting up to speed with his development this year.
Physically, a lot of the Irish boys are streets ahead. They always say how fast or well-developed a lot of us lads are. So certainly, physically we are flying. The challenge is more with your learning capacity.
Even our skills were fine, it is learning the flow of the game and how things work. Where to run, structures within. For me, that only kickstarted now. Last year it was in theory as I wasn’t playing.
Hawthorn are set to face St. Kilda next week, but for now Nash can enjoy a superb debut and well-earned singsong.
Turn it up. ??#GameFaceOn #AFLHawksCats pic.twitter.com/9gbegYMEeZ
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) August 11, 2018