Hawthorn fan-favourite Conor Nash is set to run out for his 100th AFL game against Essendon on Friday night at the MCG.
While the 26-year-old is the 151st player to play 100 games for the Hawks, he will make history as the first Irish player to do so.
The Friday night lights on a warm Melbourne night is a stark contrast to us upbringing in County Meath in Ireland, where he spent a number of years playing Gaelic football and rugby union before being approached by the Hawks in 2014.
After signing as a Category B rookie at the end of 2016, Nash was deployed as a forward and had to wait until 2018 to make his AFL debut, suiting up against Geelong in Round 21 before going on to play both of the club’s finals that year.
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With limited game time during the COVID-19-affected seasons, Sam Mitchell (who was coaching Box Hill at the time) suggested that Nash move into the midfield.
It ended up being a masterstroke, with Nash going on to play 21 games in the 2022 season, immediately impressing with his physicality and endurance.
The year that followed was a breakout one for the now renowned hard-nosed midfielder.
The moment the team found out they'd be seeing Conor Nash for a while longer 💛 pic.twitter.com/LRmcF3s7cJ
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) July 31, 2024
After playing every game of the 2023 season, Nash went on to win the club’s Most Improved Player Award and finished third in the Hawks’ coveted Peter Crimmins Medal.
The Irishman has continued to be a key cog in Hawthorn’s midfield, with his 198cm frame often troubling opposition midfielders.
Of his 100 games so far, 63 have been consecutive, highlighting his consistency and reliability.
Friday night’s game will not only be a special occasion for Nash, but also his family, with his father Tony set to be in attendance at the MCG after travelling all the way from Ireland.
"It's pretty special," Nash said when reflecting on his milestone.
"I think I've said before, it's not a huge milestone for the Aussies but for myself and coming from my background back home in Ireland, it's something I'm pretty proud of.
"I know everyone else at home in Ireland is pretty proud as well.
"I've enjoyed it, I don't like all the fanfare but I appreciate the love."
