It’s been a whirlwind few days for new Hawthorn recruits Emily Bates and Greta Bodey.

After a combined 11 seasons with Brisbane, the premiership duo made the big decision to play for the Hawks in 2023.

Speaking to the media on Friday, both players said they were drawn to getting out of their comfort zones when signing for the Hawks.

“It was a very difficult decision to leave the Lions, I loved everything about the club,” Bodey said.

“But I think it’s about putting myself outside of my comfort zone and trying to grow not only as a footballer but as a person.

“I think I’ve got a great opportunity to do that down here with such a young and exciting list.

“I think it’s going to work on my leadership skills among other things, so I’m really excited to be here.”

Bates added: “As a player, I always put myself outside of my comfort zone physically but this is a time that I can do that as a person.”

With 66 games of AFLW experience, the 27-year-old believed she could guide the playing group in the right direction when it comes to elite standards.

“The list is in a really exciting position,” Bates said.

“They’re really young, talented girls.

“I think they just need that help and guidance to show them the way and what it takes to build a successful team and culture.

“I think being able to be a part of the process to do that here was really appealing so yeah, I think that’s what got us over the line.”

Hawthorn AFLW Senior Coach Bec Goddard couldn’t be happier to have Bates and Bodey in her 2023 side.

Naturally, Bates’ experience was a big drawcard in getting her to the Hawks.

“Em’s credentials speak for themselves,” Goddard said.

“She’s a prolific ball winner, a champion in her own right and we’ve got, what we think, some exciting young mids in Jasmine Fleming and Charlotte Baskaran as well as Tilly Lucas-Rodd who is forging her own path in the competition.

“The addition of Em to that makes a really strong midfield.”

When speaking about Bodey, Goddard said she had the potential to enhance Hawthorn’s ball movement.

“I think the way we want to move the ball really suits someone with Greta’s talent,” Goddard said.

“We want to be really ferocious and offensive and really appeal to the fans.

“I want to be able to excite fans with the way we move the ball and Greta fits into that perfectly.”