Star defender Lou Stephenson has taken out the first Hawthorn AFLW 2km time trial.
Stephenson, an inaugural AFLW player, is well-known for her running ability and her high football IQ.
Hawthorn AFLW High Performance Manager Olivia Knowles said Lou’s start in the brown and gold has been impressive.
“Lou’s running capacity will be critical for how we want to move the ball out of defence,” Knowles said.
“In the time trial and training drills she has been leading by example through her work rate on and off the ball.”
Rounding out the top five of the time trial were Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Aileen Gilroy, Tamara Smith and Jenna Richardson.
Knowles was particularly pleased to see young guns Smith and Richardson near the front of the pack.
“Both Jenna and Tamara have come off strong VFLW seasons, which has set them up well for their first AFLW pre-season,” Knowles said.
Overall, the time trial was about setting a “baseline” for Hawthorn’s AFLW players, according to Knowles.
“While we didn’t set any expectations, the players challenged themselves and set the bar really high,” Knowles said.
“They had a great first week of training overall. There’s a lot for them to take in like new teammates, new coaches and new facilities.
“They have embraced it all and are really motivated to work hard.”
Hawthorn AFLW time trial top 5
- Lou Stephenson
- Tilly Lucas-Rodd
- Aileen Gilroy
- Tamara Smith
- Jenna Richardson
