Emily Bates will lead the Hawks for a third consecutive season, appointed AFLW Captain for 2026.
Eliza West will continue to support Bates as vice-captain, with the experienced pair spearheading a six-player leadership group, as elected by their peers.
Lucy Wales and Tamara Smith make up the new additions, joining Jasmine Fleming and Áine McDonagh, who were both part of the group last season.
Bates is among the league’s most respected players, recognised both inside the four walls and externally for her dedication and drive to succeed.
Despite missing six games due to injury last season, the 30-year-old continued to lead strongly from the sidelines, before making an inspirational return in the finals.
Ever-reliable West continued her dominance as a top-line midfielder during her first season as vice-captain last year, backing up her inaugural best and fairest season with a runner-up finish in 2025.
Playing every game, she averaged 22.6 disposals. 5.6 tackles and 3.8 clearances and was named Best in Finals.
Entering her fifth AFLW season, Fleming continues to exemplify her natural leadership at just 21 years of age. In 2025, she lined up for 11 games, averaging 16.6 disposals, 5.2 tackles and two clearances a game.
Cementing her status as the spearhead in attack for the Hawks last season, McDonagh capped off a remarkable campaign last year to collect her maiden All-Australian blazer and Best and Fairest award.
The 27-year-old amassed a career-best 22 goals, booting multiple majors on seven occasions.
Wales rose to league-wide prominence in 2025, leading the way in the ruck for Hawthorn.
Despite a premature end to her season, the 22-year-old still finished on the podium in the best and fairest count for the first time.
An inaugural Hawk, Smith has been a pivotal piece of the backline since the club’s inception in 2022.
Appearing in every game over the past two seasons, Smith is known for her reliability and relentless pressure, averaging 5.7 tackles per game in 2025.
Hawthorn General Manager of AFLW Keegan Brooksby shared his support for the elected leadership group.
“We are excited to announce our leadership group ahead of the 2026 season. Each player has demonstrated the behaviours that represent the club and program, and as a group they bring complementary strengths and capabilities and will play a key role in driving the standards of our club.
“Emily has done a terrific job as captain over the past two seasons, with Eliza impressing as vice-captain last year, they both lead by example every day.
“Jas and Áine are proven leaders who show up consistently for the team and drive standards. Congratulations to both Lucy and Tamara, who are deserving inclusions and continue their development and career progression as two inaugural Hawks.”
2026 Hawthorn AFLW Leadership Group
Emily Bates (Captain)
Eliza West (Vice-Captain)
Jasmine Fleming
Áine McDonagh
Lucy Wales
Tamara Smith
