Hawthorn utility Janet Baird will make her brown and gold debut on Saturday night when the Hawks take on Brisbane at Frankston Oval.

Hailing from the NT, Baird worked her way up the ranks to be selected by the Gold Coast Suns with Pick 54 in the 2020 AFLW Draft. The 22-year-old played three games for the Suns as a forward.

Prior to this, Baird starred in the NTFL, winning the 2017/18 Women’s Rising Star award and following it up with the 2018/19 league best and fairest award.

She also played in the NT Thunder U18 Academy and was selected in the Allies squad, which was coached by Hawks AFLW Senior Coach Bec Goddard.

Baird’s inclusion means that the Hawks have now rewarded all 30 players on their AFLW list with a game in their first season.