Laura Stone’s footy journey began in primary school when she jumped in with the boys for a kick during a few lunch-times. 

Now the 17-year-old is a Hawk, having been picked up by the club during the AFLW’s Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period.

The star midfielder/ half-back couldn’t be more excited to join the brown and gold.

“I’m really keen,” Stone said.

“I’ve gotten to know some of the girls and I’m just keen to join such a supportive group and bunch of girls and play my role for the team.”

It won’t be Stone’s first time in brown and gold though, having featured for Box Hill on two occasions during the VFLW season.

She said her experience with the program will help her ease into the AFLW environment.

“It was such a good experience,” Stone said.

“I just got to know some of the girls and coaching staff as well which has helped me come into this program.

“It was a good experience learning about professionalism and I had a really good time. 

Stone’s highlights speak for themselves, but she did outline a few strengths that Hawks fans could look out for on the field in the coming years.

“I tend to play midfield and a bit of half-back as well,” she said.

“I’d say my speed is probably one of my strengths as well as my agility and attack to win the footy and just force turnovers.”

Stone was one of three players who joined Hawthorn through the pre-signing period, joining Eastern Ranges teammates Jess Vukic and Hayley McLaughlin in the brown and gold.