Hawthorn VFLW celebrated their top performers of the 2021 at their Best and Fairest awards on Thursday night.
As well as the awards, the night also honoured the service of two key players who retired from the game following the 2021 season.
Check out who was recognised on the night.
VFLW Most Promising Player – Jenna Richardson
Aside from her impressive footy resume, Jenna Richardson can do it all on the field as a utility.
The former Richmond VFLW product, who has also played for NAB League club, Eastern Ranges as well as Vic Metro’s Under 16 side, shined in her rookie season with the Hawks.
After making her maiden appearance with the brown and gold in Round 4, Richardson went on to impress for the remainder of the season, often dominating in one-on-one contests.
With strong marking and decision-making skills, the young talent spent 2021 continuing with learning her craft and improving her leadership skills.
She was also named among Coach Bec Goddard's best players multiple times this season.
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VFLW Gold Standards Award – Dominique Carbone
Dominique Carbone joined the Hawks VFLW team at the beginning of this year - traveling more than 3,500km to live out her dream of playing footy.
Hailing from Darwin, the 20-year-old first started playing football at the age of 17.
The hard-worker showed promising development throughout her debut season in the brown and gold in 2021, and brought energy and excitement to the side.
Aside from consistent good kicking choices, Carbone's tackling pressure inside the forward 50 was also a highlight for the team.
VFLW Best Club Person – Sophie Bolding
Sophie Bolding was awarded the Best Club Person for her commitment to the club and her embodiment of the club’s values.
The 21-year-old, who was often delegated the role of tagging opposition players, demonstrated dedication to her responsibilities, no matter the challenge thrown at her.
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Retiree – Lou Wotton
Following two Helen Lambert Medals over 14 years with the Eastern Devils, Lou Wotton retired in 2014 but launched a comeback for Collingwood at the start of the AFLW in 2017.
She then went on to join the brown and gold in 2018 and played in the club's VFLW premiership.Wotton continued in a playing role at the Hawks in 2019 and had plans of playing in 2020 before the season was cancelled.
Wotton decided after 233 games spanning across 16 years, to ‘hang up the boots’ and turn her attention to coaching, becoming an Hawthorn VFLW assistant coach.
The 37-year-old has relished the opportunity to develop players not only on the field, but also as individuals now part of the Hawthorn family.
Retiree – Meg Hutchins
The football veteran and well-renowned star of the competition called time on her decorated career following the end of the 2021 campaign after almost two decades playing football.
The epitome of grit, hard work and determination, Hutchins won the VWFL Best First-Year Player for the year 2003.
She played her first AFLW season in 2017, before joining the Hawks in the VFLW league in 2019.
Hutchins, who stepped in to guide the Hawks through 2021 after Captain Jess Trend suffered a season-ending injury, celebrated her milestone 250th game in Round 8, a monumental achievement in women’s sport.
