Star Hawthorn forward Áine McDonagh has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal, keeping her in the brown and gold until at least the end of the 2027 season. 

Hailing from County Galway in Ireland, the 27-year-old joined the Hawks ahead of their inaugural season in 2022 and made her debut in Round 4. 

Two weeks later, she would kick her first goal to begin her rapid rise to becoming one of Hawthorn’s best AFLW players of all time. 

In 2023, McDonagh was named Hawthorn’s Most Improved Player and finished in the top 10 of the club’s AFLW best and fairest count. 

The following year would be a breakout year for the Irish superstar, becoming Hawthorn’s all-time leading goalkicker, winning the club’s goalkicking for that season and being selected in the All-Australian squad for the first time. 

In 2025, McDonagh was elected to the leadership group for the first time and is now leading Hawthorn’s goalkicking for a second straight year, having booted 21 goals from 12 games to rank fifth in the competition. 

She most recently became the equal fastest AFLW player to kick 50 career majors, reaching the significant milestone in her 41st game in the brown and gold. 

McDonagh also ranks in the league’s top 10 for score involvements (5.4 per game) to complement averages of 12 disposals and 1.8 goals per game. 

Hawthorn AFLW List Manager Keegan Brooksby was delighted to see McDonagh re-sign with the club.

“Áine is a highly respected teammate among our four walls, it’s pleasing to see her continue her AFLW career in the brown and gold for another two seasons,” Brooksby said.

“From never kicking a Sherrin three years ago to being our leading all-time goalkicker and elected to our leadership group, it’s been fantastic to witness Áine’s rapid rise in AFLW.

“Despite achieving so much in her 42-game career already, Áine continues to drive competitive standards within the group, which will be incredibly important for us going forward.”