Hawthorn midfielder Tamara Smith has been named the club’s Most Courageous Player for the second season in a row, joining Aine McDonagh, Jenna Richardson, Catherine Brown and Emily Bates as the Hawks’ award winners.
Smith was rewarded for her willingness to attack the ball both during training and on the field every weekend.
The 23-year-old midfielder always does what is asked of her and has missed just one game in her two seasons at the Hawks, averaging 8.9 disposals and 5.3 tackles in 2023.
Her teammate McDonagh was named Hawthorn’s Most Improved Player.
McDonagh led Hawthorn’s goalkickers in 2023 with 10 goals from 10 games, kicking at least one major in the first eight games of the season.
The 25-year-old also became the club’s all-time leading goal-kicker in the process, surpassing former Hawks vice-captain Jess Duffin with 14 career goals in the brown and gold.
It caps off a remarkable rise for the Irishwoman who only started playing Aussie Rules last year.
Young defender Richardson was awarded for her achievements on and off the field, taking out Hawthorn’s Outstanding Excellence award.
The 22-year-old won the club’s newest award after completing her Bachelor of Psychology with Honours while forming a key part of Hawthorn’s defensive unit in her 10 appearances this season.
Along with averaging 11.7 disposals, 6.8 intercept possessions and 3.7 marks, Richardson was studying full-time and working part-time.
Fellow defender Brown was recognised as Hawthorn’s Best Club Person in 2023.
After a stunning debut season in the brown and gold, the 29-year-old was elevated to the Hawks’ leadership group in 2023.
Despite her season being cut short by an ACL injury, the outgoing defender remained positive around the club and invested her time and effort on the sidelines into developing those around her.
Star midfielder Bates rounded out the award winners by taking out the club’s Gold Standards Award.
The Hawks Vice-Captain led the way from the moment she arrived at the club, driving standards on and off the field all season.
The 28-year-old won the peer-voted award after playing every game this season and averaging a team-high 20.8 disposals, 9.7 tackles and 4.9 clearances.
See the full list of award winners below.
Most Improved: Aine McDonagh
Most Courageous: Tamara Smith
Outstanding Excellence Award: Jenna Richardson
Best Club Person Award: Catherine Brown
Gold Standards Award: Emily Bates
