Nick Watson has called The West Australian’s back page on Thursday “a good laugh” as he prepared to step out to take on Fremantle in the qualifying final at Optus Stadium.

It came as the Hawthorn superstar revealed it was Harley Reid who sent the image to him in the lead-up to the blockbuster clash.

Watson was the main feature of the back page ahead of the final, with the headline “No Wizards Allowed”.

The man known as ‘The Wizard’ is preparing to be the centre of attention for Dockers defender Brandon Walker, who was the shock inclusion in Freo’s side.

Fellow 2023 draftee in West Coast midfielder Harley Reid shared the back page on Instagram earlier in the day, with Watson saying it was the Eagle who alerted him to it.

“I did see it. Harley sent it to me this morning,” he told Channel 7 when shown the back page by expert Kane Cornes before game.

“It’s a good laugh. I enjoy it. Obviously we’re coming into enemy territory, we’ve done it the last couple of years, and keen for this one tonight.”

Watson is set to draw the ire of the Dockers faithful given his mercurial ability to dominate, having earned All-Australian honours for the first time on the back of a 55 goal season.

The 21-year-old has a good record at Optus Stadium with eight goals from four games at the Burswood venue, including three against the Dockers in round nine of this season.

Watson also kicked three goals against West Coast at Optus Stadium in round 24 when the Hawks last played.