Last week marked an historic announcement that Hawthorn would be making its AFLW debut late next year in the 2022/23 competition.
With a season still to play out until the Hawks join the competition, we’ve compiled a list of answers to help you get your head around everything you need to know in the meantime.
What player's will be in the team?
The AFL will confirm list build rules at a later date, however they are expected to commence following the conclusion of the 2021/22 season in March.
Who is the coach?
AFLW premiership coach Bec Goddard will lead the club into its first season in the women’s competition. Goddard has a proven coaching record in the AFLW, having led Adelaide to premiership success in the competition’s inaugural season.
She coached the Crows for the 2017 and 2018 seasons before, more recently, joining the brown and gold family as coach of the club’s VFLW side.
You can find out more about Bec here.
How many players will be in the squad?
Currently, each team are 30 players each, with additional players added to replace those who are inactive (season-long injuries, work commitments, pregnancy).
When does the season start?
An exact date is yet to be announced, but it is anticipated that the 2022/23 season will begin in early December or late November.
Where can I buy a membership?
You can become an AFLW Hawks foundation member by visiting www.membership.hawthornfc.com.au/aflw-foundation-member.
Is there merchandise to purchase yet?
We're so excited to bring a unique AFLW range to our fans, but this is currently a work in progress. But for now, you can have a look at www.hawksmerchandise.com.au for some other related gear.
What involvement has Hawthorn had in women's footy?
A long-held strategic goal of the club, an AFLW licence completes the club’s family. The club’s vision for the future is clear, to create a club that is successful, sustainable, socially inclusive and equally focused on both men’s and women’s programs.
Some of Hawthorn’s key achievements in women’s football to date include being the first AFL club to obtain an VFLW licence, implementing an all-female coaching line-up for its VFLW side, and committing $1 million to renovate Waverley Park to provide an equal, integrated training facility for both male and female elite footballers.
Where can I stay up to date with what's going on?
We're thrilled to be joining the AFLW competition and are looking forward to making some further exciting announcements as we build our AFLW team.
For now, Hawthorn members and fans can keep up to date with all the latest news on Hawthorn’s AFLW team via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @hawthornaflw.
What has the club said?
"With a strong track record in the VFLW, Hawthorn’s development of women’s football is unique and speaks to the authenticity of the club’s desire to be credible and impactful in the space and to harness and develop the sport from grassroots through to elite,” Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves said.
"Our strategic priorities sit across three pillars; people, football and sustainability and these are in place to ensure our AFLW side is driven by best practice team culture, the football program will grow and develop talent to the highest level and the team will be underpinned by commercial growth and innovation to become a sustainable part of the club in the future."
