Emily Bates will lead the Hawks again in 2025, after she was elected by her peers as the club’s AFLW captain for a second season.

Supporting Bates will be Eliza West, who continues as vice-captain, with Hawks to be guided by a six-person leadership group in season 2025, which includes one new addition.

Aine McDonagh has been elevated to the leadership group for the first time, joining existing members Jas Fleming, Jenna Richardson and Tilly Lucas-Rodd.

A highly respected teammate, Bates has long been lauded for her unwavering determination and competitive instincts, playing an integral role for the brown and gold since joining the club at the end of 2022.

The star midfielder was pivotal in the Hawks’ 2024 campaign, leading the group to its maiden finals series. Bates finished runner-up in the club’s Best and Fairest, claimed joint honours of the Best Player in Finals and came fourth in the league Best and Fairest.

West is fresh from a stellar first season in the brown and gold, making an immediate impact both on and off the field after crossing from Melbourne at the end of 2023. She capped off her debut Hawthorn season as the club’s Best and Fairest winner, leading the team in disposals per game, contested possessions, tackles and clearances.

In their ninth season at the top level, Lucas-Rodd enjoyed their best individual season of their career, capitalising on a move to the backline, where they were rewarded with a maiden All Australian blazer.

Having only turned 20 last season, Fleming continued to impress in her third AFLW season, finishing on the club’s Best and Fairest podium for a third straight season and was joint winner of Best Player in Finals.

Richardson proved her value as an instrumental pillar in defence, ranking first across the competition for total marks (70) and second for total intercept possessions (95) in 2024.

And McDonagh led by example as a key figure in the forward half, where she ranked equal-second in the league for total goal assists and fourth for total score involvements.

Hawthorn General Manager of Football Operations Max Bailey highlighted the calibre and stability of the leadership group.

“We’re excited to have this group of great people and players leading our football club in 2025,” Bailey said.

“They’re all great leaders in their own way, who each bring something different to the table both on and off the field.

“This is a group whom the players have chosen as their leaders, and as a club, we echo that decision.

“We have great faith in Emily as captain and Eliza as vice-captain, as well as our wider leadership group in Tilly, Jasmine, Jenna and now Aine, to lead us in our next chapter this season.”