Hawthorn signs Conor Nash as international rookie from Ireland as potential key defender

HAWTHORN has ventured outside Australia to find its next star by signing its second Irishman, rugby and Gaelic football player Conor Nash.

HAWTHORN has ventured outside Australia to find its next star by signing Irishman Conor Nash as an international rookie.

A tall, athletic and quick rugby and Gaelic football player, Nash will be groomed as a tall defender at the Hawks as he learns the game before a possible move forward.

The Hawks identified Nash as a potential code-hopper three years ago.

Hailing from Navan, approximately 30 minutes from Dublin, Nash has trained with Hawthorn across three visits to Waverley and will join his new teammates in November for pre-season.

“I grew up playing Gaelic footy and rugby and that’s where I was spotted,” Nash said.

“I’ve been three times out here I think and each time have gotten in with the boys and become a full-time player for those couple of weeks that I’m there and training.”

Hawthorn recruit Conor Nash has joined the club as an international rookie from Ireland. Picture: Hawthorn website

Nash already looks comfortable with ball in hand after working hard on the skills of AFL.

Having grown up playing rugby has given the new Hawk a head start on adapting to the Sherrin but it will be the ability to read the game that will require most attention.

He will work closely with recruiting and special projects manager Mark McKenzie.

“The oval ball wasn’t too bad because I play rugby,” Nash told the club’s website. “I suppose positioning and all that will come with time and a lot of work.”

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Nash joins Conor Glass as the second Irishman at Waverley after Glass signed as a category B rookie in October last year.

Glass played seven games in the VFL development league for Box Hill, including the premiership win over Casey.

“It’s wonderful to have him there,” Nash said. “To have him go before me I’ve been able to see the path for me and the process it takes and how long it takes.

Kurt Heatherley became the first born and bred Kiwi to make his AFL debut this year. Picture: Stephen Harman

“I’ve been following his footsteps.”

The Hawks haven’t been afraid to search beyond Australian talent pathways to unearth talent.

Kurt Heatherley, a versatile defender, made history this year when he became the first born and bred Kiwi to make his AFL debut after being upgraded to the senior list ahead of the 2016 season.

Hawthorn also groomed Shem Tatupu as a key forward/ruckman before the New Zealand native quit the club to play rugby league with NRL club Melbourne Storm.

Another Irishman, Ciaran Kilkenny, abandoned a three-year contract with the Hawks in early 2013 after deciding AFL was not for him and citing homesickness as an issue.