Hawthorn has added Annabelle Embelton to its AFLW list as a replacement player ahead of the 2026 season.

The 20-year-old joins the Hawks following three seasons with the Box Hill Hawks in the VFLW, where she was elevated to the leadership group in 2026.

Of her eight VFLW appearances this season, the defender averaged 18 disposals, four marks and even slotted four goals.

Embelton also featured in three of the Hawks pre-season matches against St Kilda, Sydney and Richmond as a top up player.

Earlier this year Embelton was included in the extended squad of the VFLW State Team, and in 2025 she took home Box Hill’s VFLW Best in Finals and Most Consistent award.

Hawthorn General Manager of AFLW Keegan Brooksby welcomed Embelton to the Club.

“Annabelle has shown great growth in her time with Box Hill and has become a strong and reliable defender, in her own right” Brooksby said.

“We have had Annabelle in the program as a train on for the past two seasons, and have been impressed with how she has applied herself both on and off the field”

“We anticipate Annabelle to continue bringing her strengths to the program as she has demonstrated through her performances in our pre-season matches and we look forward to seeing her take her opportunity at AFLW level.”

Embelton’s signing comes after the club added Matilda Van Berkel to the inactive list.