Young Hawk Elli Symonds will make her debut in the brown and gold in Round 3 against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night at Whitten Oval.
Symonds becomes Hawthorn’s third debutant for 2025 in three rounds, following in the footsteps of Lavinia Cox and Grace Baba.
The 18-year-old joined the Hawks in the 2024 National Draft at Pick 45 as a ruck-forward utility from the Dandenong Stingrays. Across 19 games in two seasons, she averaged 18 disposals, 11 hitouts, six tackles and kicked three goals.
Since joining the Hawks, Symonds has taken to the field in both pre-season matches against Melbourne and Richmond, as well as making her Box Hill debut in Round 14 of the VFLW.
Hawthorn General Manager of Football Operations Max Bailey congratulated Symonds on her debut.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Elli, one we're certain she'll take with both hands," Bailey said.
“Elli competes really hard and is always keen to learn, which will hold her in good stead this weekend and as she continues to develop as a footballer.
“We're all looking forward to seeing her use her strengths and play her role for the team come Saturday night at Whitten Oval.”
Hawthorn will announce its full team for Round 3 tonight at 6.20pm.
