With the 2023 AFLW season coming to a close, we recommend keeping an eye on these six Hawks during this off-season!
The recruit: Eliza West
West not only brings immense skill as a midfielder but also premiership experience, which will be invaluable to a young and developing Hawthorn line-up.
Coming across from Melbourne, the 26-year-old averaged 17.2 disposals, 6.4 tackles and 3.9 clearances in her 2023 campaign and could be in line to take her game to the next level in 2024.
The draftee: Mikayla Williamson
Williamson was one of the most impressive players of the 2023 draft crop, having won the 2km time trial, being selected in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year and the U18 All Australian team.
All eyes will be on the the 18-year-old before she even has a footy in her hand, as the Hawthorn 2024 2km time trial is set to be a hotly contested one.
Can she take the crown off reigning champion Emily Bates?
The pre-signing: Laura Stone
Laura Stone oozes class, poise and skills beyond her years.
The 18-year-old is capable of dominating in the midfield or holding down the fort at half-back, offering up a versatile option for the Hawks in 2024.
She was named captain of the Coates Talent League Girls Team of the Year alongside being selected in the U18 All Australian side, selected both times at half-back.
Up forward: Aine McDonagh
The 2023 leading goalkicker has potential to go to another level in 2024 as she continues to hone her craft in Aussie Rules.
Up until 2022, McDonagh had never played Aussie Rules before but is now taking huge strides in each game she plays, culminating in her winning the club's Most Improved Player award last year.
Working alongside the likes of Bridie Hipwell and new draftee Sophie Butterworth will enable McDonagh to continue to develop her game right before our eyes.
Down back: Jenna Richardson
In her first full season as a Hawk, Richardson was truly outstanding in defence.
The 22-year-old finished second in the club's best and fairest, won Hawthorn's inaugural Outstanding Excellence Award and was nominated for the AFLPA's AFLW MVP Award following averages of 11.7 disposals and 3.7 marks.
Following the retirements of Tegan Cunningham and Catherine Brown, expect Richardson continue to step up in defence.
Through the middle: Jasmine Fleming
It is no surprise to see Fleming's name listed here, having improved in each of her two seasons with the Hawks.
It was easy to identify the 19-year-old's talent in her first season at Hawthorn but what stood out in her second was her leadership capabilities as co-vice-captain.
Expect her to continue to combine her on and off-field expertise in 2024.
