Hawthorn dynamo Nick Watson has been ruled out of the club's clash with Melbourne on Saturday due to hamstring tightness as Matt Hill has been named to debut.
The star small forward, who is one of just four players to have kicked a goal in every game in 2026, sat out the second half of Hawthorn's win over GWS last Friday.
Watson has 39.15 in 2026 and is on track for his maiden All Australian blazer, also impacting with his ability to rotate into the midfield.
He is currently four goals behind Coleman Medal leader Ben King.
Watson kicked three goals against Melbourne six weeks ago in a captivating battle with Melbourne stopper Koltyn Tholstrup.
Matt Hill will make his AFL debut in Watson's place. He had three goals and laid eight tackles in the VFL last weekend and is a Category B Rookie from Katherine recruited from Melbourne Storm's Academy.
It shapes as a crucial clash for both sides, with the Hawks needing a win to stay in touch with second-placed Sydney, which is currently six points clear.
Melbourne, meanwhile, is coming off a bye and a win would keep Steven King's men in touch with the top four, while a loss would put them right back with the Wildcard Round chasing pack after a chastening start to the season.
