VFLW recruit Sarah Perkins is helping to build the next generation of Hawks, with the club set to launch its Next Generation Girls Academy programs.

Perkins, who currently leads Hawthorn’s goalkicking this season, is working to develop the club’s under 13s program for the Hawks' NGA zone in eastern Victoria that will help feed players through to TAC Cup sides Eastern Ranges and Gippsland Power.

The program is set to provide a pathway for those within the academy region to join the Hawks’ VFLW side and, in coming years, AFLW side.

”Myself, Nathan Foley and Randy Briggs are planning out our Girls’ Next Gen Academy which starts in August,” Perkins said.

“We’re looking to start an under 13s program that’ll go for about six weeks and hopefully put in the stepping stones to create (a pathway) into the (TAC Cup) under 15s.

“We [want to] keep our girls in our region coming through and give them the pathway up to VFLW and hopefully AFLW if we’re lucky enough to get a license in the coming years,”  

VFLW player by player: R5 - hawthornfc.com.au

Perkins joined the Hawks this year in both an administrative role – as Academy and Community Coordinator- Women’s – and as a player, forming part of the club’s inaugural women’s team. 

The VFLW Hawks currently sit fourth after starting the season with an impressive four consecutive wins before suffering a narrow loss to Collingwood in Round 5 and are set to take on the Southern Saints on Sunday at Box Hill City Oval.