Star Hawthorn ruck Lucy Wales will remain in the brown and gold until at least the end of 2030 after putting pen to paper on a new deal.

Already contracted until the end of 2027, the 23-year-old’s three-year extension locks her away in the brown and gold until the end of 2030.

The 2026 season has been a career-best for Wales, having also played her 50th AFLW game back in Round 9. From 11 games this year to date, she’s averaging 19.3 hitouts (fifth in the league), 18.1 disposals and 4.6 marks (top ten in the league) per game.

She kicked her first goal at the level in Round 2 against Port Adelaide and her second was just as memorable, in the dying minutes of Round 6 against North Melbourne to seal the victory.

This comes off the back of a stellar 2025 campaign in which she claimed Hawthorn’s Players’ Player award and finished third in club’s Best and Fairest count, despite missing the final five games of the year due to two major operations for a severe appendix injury.

An inaugural Hawk, Wales made her debut in Hawthorn’s maiden clash in Round 1 against Essendon at Marvel Stadium in 2022, after being selected at Pick 22 in the 2022 national draft.

Hawthorn General Manager of AFLW Keegan Brooksby said:

“We’re really pleased that Lucy has extended her contract with the club, she’s highly respected by teammates and staff alike and consistently demonstrates the values of a Hawthorn person,” Brooksby said.

“Lucy’s an important part of the club and in joining the leadership group for the first time this season, her presence and leadership skills have continued to evolve.

“Lucy’s on field performances have shown she’s one of the premier rucks in the competition, she’s become an integral part of the way that we play, and we’re excited by what the next four years looks like for her in the brown and gold.”