Hawthorn could welcome up to three new players over the course of the week as part of the AFLW Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period.

Check out how it all works below.

What is the Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period?

The Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period allows the AFLW’s four latest expansion clubs - Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney - to sign underage players from their academies/ academy zones ahead of the next AFLW Draft, which will be held on Monday 18 December. 

What Coates Talent League teams are in Hawthorn’s academy zone?

The Eastern Ranges and Gippsland Power.

How many players can Hawthorn sign in the Pre-Signing Period?

The Hawks can sign up to three players from their academy zone during the period.

How long does the Pre-Signing Period go for?

It opens on November 13 and closes on November 17.

So, how does this affect the draft?

If players agree to be pre-signed by clubs, they will skip the draft entirely and join the club directly. Pre-signing selections are not included as draft picks. The Hawks will still have to take a minimum of two selections in the AFLW Draft come December.

Full off-seson key dates:

Monday, November 13 2023

  • AFLW Draft Nominations Open
  • Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period Open

Friday, November 17 2023

  • Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period Close

Monday, November 27 2023

  • 2023 W Awards

Friday, December 1 2023

  • AFLW Draft Nominations Close

Sunday, December 3 2023

  • 2023 NAB AFLW Grand Final

Thursday, December 7 2023

  • Trade Period Opens
  • Restricted Free Agency Period Opens
  • Delisted Free Agency Period (1) Opens

Wednesday, December 13 2023

  • Delisted Free Agency Period (1) Closes

Thursday, December 14 2023

  • Trade Period Closes (2pm AEDT)
  • Restricted Free Agency Period Closes

Friday, December 15 2023

  • Delisted Free Agency Period (2) Open

Saturday, December 16 2023

  • Delisted Free Agency Period (2) Closes

Sunday, December 17 2023

  • AFLW Draft Order confirmed

Monday, December 18 2023

  • 2023 AFLW Draft

Monday, February 5 2024

  • Supplemental Selection Period Open
  • Rookie Signing Period Open

Friday, March 1 2024

  • Supplemental Selection Period Closes
  • Rookie Signing Period Closes