NICK Watson's ascension to superstardom in 2026 has been recognised with his first Peter Crimmins Medal on Saturday night. 

The 21-year-old became an All-Australian for the first time in August and now has his first best and fairest after beating co-captain Jai Newcombe and veteran Jarman Impey. 

Watson kicked 63 goals from 23 games in his third season, including a career best 6.2 in the heartbreaking preliminary final loss to Brisbane a fortnight ago. 

The small forward they call 'Wizard' stamped himself as one of the most impactful players in the sport across winter, just three seasons after the Hawks used pick No.5 on the Eastern Ranges product. 

Watson kicked three or more goals 13 times this year, terrorising opposition defenders to emerge as Hawthorn's point of difference. 

Standing just 170cm, Watson is the shortest Peter Crimmins medallist since champion midfielder John Platten won the best and fairest in 1987, weeks after sharing the Brownlow Medal with Tony Lockett. 

Nick Watson celebrates a goal during Hawthorn's qualifying final against Fremantle on September 3, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Newcombe finished runner-up for the third time and on the podium for the fourth time in five years after leading the way in his first season sharing the captaincy with James Sicily. 

The 2024 winner continued his phenomenal rise from mid-season pick in 2021 to established midfield force at the highest level. 

Impey was finally recognised externally in 2026 with an All-Australian blazer after a career year at half-back. 

The 31-year-old has now finished on the podium twice in the past three seasons and held off Connor Macdonald (123 votes) and Josh Ward (117).

Jarman Impey in action during Hawthorn's clash against North Melbourne in round 21, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Sam Mitchell quipped that Ward could go back-to-back in the most improved award after taking another leap forward in 2026, but Macdonald claimed that after his best Peter Crimmins Medal result yet.

Young key defender Noah Mraz was named most promising after showing his quality across four AFL games, around strong VFL form to help Box Hill win the premiership. 

2026 Peter Crimmins Medal top 10

1. Nick Watson - 150 votes
2. Jai Newcombe - 131
3. Jarman Impey - 123
4. Connor Macdonald - 121 votes
5. Josh Ward - 117 votes
6. Blake Hardwick - 109 votes
=7. Massimo D’Ambrosio - 108 votes
=7. Jack Gunston - 108 votes
9. Dylan Moore - 107 votes
10. James Sicily - 105 votes

2026 Peter Crimmins Medal club award winners

Lethal Award: Nick Watson
Most Promising: Noah Mraz
Most Improved: Connor Macdonald
Most Courageous: Lloyd Meek