Hawthorn faced the Western Bulldogs in its opening AFLW match simulation of the year on Saturday.

In their first hit-out against opposition at their new home, the Kennedy Community Centre, a number of Hawks showed impressive signs for the season ahead.

Here are five things we liked from the hitout against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday: 

1. First homecoming

The AFLW Hawks got their first taste of playing footy at its new home, the Kennedy Community Centre. 

Following hosting games at Box Hill City Oval and Kinetic Stadium in Frankston over the past four years, the Hawks will finally host AFLW matches at the club's new Dingley headquarters in 2026. 

The KCC action continues this Saturday 18 July when the Hawks host St Kilda from 3pm, before history is made on Sunday 6 September when the first AFLW match for premiership points is played, as the Hawks host the Crows. 

Hawthorn youngster Jess Vukic told the Soaring to New Heights podcast post-game that it was fantastic to play against opposition at the venue for the first time. 

"We've been training here all pre-season, and we've gotten used to the ground so it was really good to play some opposition out here," she said.

2. New faces in the brown and gold 

Although it was an unofficial game, it was the first hitout in the brown and gold for new recruits Jacqueline Dupuy and Niamh Martin, who the Hawks acquired during last year's trade period. 

Pre-season draftee Mikaylah Antony and replacement player Poppy Stockwell also got a taste of the action, as well as 2025 draftee and Irish recruit Hannah Looney. 

3. Steph Binder takes the reins 

Highly-regarded Hawthorn backline coach Steph Binder got a taste in the hot seat on Saturday, in a move that fittingly coincided with Women's Coaching Month. 

Stepping up as part of her development, Binder did a brilliant job as senior coach during contest, with Daniel Webster watching on closely in a supporting capacity.

2026 will be Binder's third season in charge of the defenders, with her first two campaigns seeing the Hawks make back-to-back finals charges. 

4. Stars pick up where they left off, youth steps up 

In a surprise to few, several of Hawthorn's top-line stars picked up from where they left off on Saturday.

Captain Emily Bates led the way in the engine room, while 2025 best and fairest winner Aine McDonagh hit the scoreboard multiple times to excite the Hawks faithful in attendance.

Meantime, new leadership group member Lucy Wales looks primed for another big season with a dominant showing in the ruck. 

In addition to the established stars, there were several second-to third-year Hawks who showed real growth during the contest in a great sign for the year ahead.

The likes of Mikayla Williamson, Daisy Flockart, Hayley McLaughlin and Grace Baba all impressed, while Mackenzie Eardley and Laura Elliott also played strongly. 

5. Versatility on show 

The first match simulation allowed the coaching staff to deploy players in some different positions throughout the day. 

As mentioned above, Williamson was among the standouts, but not just in her customary wing position.

The 21-year-old was also tried through the midfield, and didn't look out of place.

At the other end of the ground, young gun Jess Vukic made the shift from a ruck/ forward to a defender, having trained with the backline throughout the pre-season. 

"Over the pre-season, I've been training as a key back, and it's just been amazing," Vukic told the Soaring to New Heights podcast after the game.

"As a key back, I'm just focusing on locking down opposition key forwards and just throwing my body into the contest. 

"It's been amazing learning from the best.

"We have the best backline, and we're all really close." 

Up next 

The Hawks take on the Saints at 3pm this Saturday afternoon at the Kennedy Community Centre in another match simulation. 

After that, the brown and gold fly to Sydney to face the Swans in an official practice match, before returning to KCC on Sunday 2 August to host Richmond in one final match simulation. 

Round 1 then awaits on Thursday 13 August when the Hawks host Melbourne under lights at IKON Park. 

Feature image taken by Ruby Santolucido