Nash to make A FL debut

After the disappointment of not making the team despite being an emergency replacement last week Simonstown's Conor Nash will make his AFL debut for Hawthorn in Saturday's clash with the Cats in Geelong.
Two-time Keegan cup winner with the Navan club Nash joined the Hawks in late 2016 as a Category B rookie. After a breakout season with the Box Hill Hawks, averaging 13 disposals, four marks and just under a goal a game, Nash will now step up to the first team.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” Nash said, after hearing the news that he’d be making his AFL debut against the Cats this weekend.
“When I found out yesterday in front of the family in the car, it was just pure joy. 
“I can’t wait, and I look forward to contributing to the team.”
Nash’s parents and young brother and sister were enjoying a holiday in Australia and were preparing to return to Ireland before receiving the news.
“Clarko (Hawthorn boss) asked them if they could prolong their flights until Sunday or Monday,” Nash said. 
“They’ll get to see me play which is a very special moment for them, and for myself as well.”
The  6’5, 94kg utility has shown an aptitude for several different positions on the ground, and says he’ll bring the pressure in whatever role he is given.
“I’ll be creating chaos, (creating) pressure as well, and using my speed and athleticism. 
“I’m sure I’ll be spent after the game,” concluded Nash.
Nash will replace Brendan Whitecross (illness), but GM-Football Graham Wright believes the Irishman comes in off the back of some strong form at VFL level.
“Conor has really impressed us with his development this season,” Wright said.
“Obviously learning a foreign game is a big challenge, but he has picked it up quickly and is extremely eager to learn.
“He’s a versatile player with great speed, so we’re excited to see him embrace his AFL opportunity this weekend.
“Whitey has unfortunately come down with a virus and won’t be available, but the positive is that it presents an opportunity for a young player coming through," said Wright.
Nash was part of the extended squad for round 19 game against Fremantle Dockers in Perth, but he ended up frustrated not to get a game, which also meant he missed out on playing for the Box Hill Hawks in the V FL that weekend too.
“It is a bit annoying. If somebody gets injured in a warm-up, I might play,” Nash said about missing out last week.
"You go the same as everyone else preparing to play but basically knowing you won’t. We’ve had one or two boys pull out with migraines before games and lads get thrown in but you are pretty much not going to play. 
"The thing with last week, I was a carryover emergency which is annoying. The AFL game was on in Perth on Saturday, the same day as the VFL game. So, I wasn’t able to play a game at all last weekend. 
"I’d love to get in the AFL in the next few games. I’ve been playing good footy all year so it has been a bit frustrating, but you just have to try keep going and hopefully next year will be the year," said Nash.
Now his wish has come through and quicker than he expected.

Watch his interview following the team announcement here