Hawthorn has re-signed AFLW forwards Sophie Locke, Tamara Luke, Tegan Cunningham, Aine McDonagh and Zoe Barbakos until the end of the 2023 season while Tahlia Fellows has signed on until the end of 2024.

Sarah Perkins and Janet Baird will also be in brown and gold guernseys in 2023, having initially signed two-year deals when they were recruited ahead of Hawthorn’s inaugural season.

The recommitments of these eight players mean that Hawthorn’s re-signing haul is now complete, with 25 Season 7 stars signing on for a big future in the brown and gold.

Friday will mark one year since lifelong Hawthorn supporter Locke signed with the brown and gold and her story will be told for generations.

After losing her Mum to cancer before the season had even started, the 21-year-old bravely stepped out onto Marvel Stadium in Round 1 and booted Hawthorn’s first-ever AFLW goal before going on to average 7.1 disposals and 3.4 tackles from her nine appearances.

An inaugural leadership group member, Luke’s first season in the brown and gold was unfortunately cut short by an ACL injury sustained in Round 2 against her former club, St Kilda.

Despite that, the 35-year-old took home the Club Person of the Year award at Hawthorn’s best and fairest night, highlighting her commitment to the Hawks program and its progress.

Like Locke, Perkins also slotted through an important goal for her childhood club in Round 1 before going on to play four games for the season.

Baird suited up on one occasion for the Hawks during Season 7, playing against Brisbane in Round 9.

The 23-year-old has completed some training sessions with Box Hill’s VFLW side in the off-season, continuing to develop her game.

Cunningham arrived at Hawthorn as a forward but turned heads when she suited up in defence in Round 1.

The 35-year-old also spent time in the ruck, highlighting her reliability all over the ground.

After being sidelined by injury during Hawthorn’s pre-season, McDonagh made her brown and gold debut in Round 4 and immediately showed glimpses of the player she could be inside 50.

The 24-year-old’s breakout game came against Port Adelaide in Round 7 when she took five marks, gathered seven possessions and kicked an important goal.

Barbakos burst onto the scene in Round 1 when she dazzled with two goals from her six disposals.

The 19-year-old went on to play seven matches for the season with an average of four disposals per game.

Fellows’ breakout game came in Hawthorn’s first victory, as she booted through three match-winning goals at Punt Road Oval.

The 23-year-old continued to grow from there, kicking a further three majors for the season and averaging 5.8 disposals as well as 2.8 tackles.

Hawthorn AFLW List Manager Mitchell Cashion was thrilled to have another eight players recommit to the Hawks.

“We’re excited about the future of our forward line with Sophie, Tamara, Sarah, Janet, Tegan, Aine, Zoe and Tahlia all recommitting to the club,” Cashion said.

“All eight players are ready for a big 2023 season and are set to take their games to new levels.”

Cashion was also delighted to have 25 inaugural players re-sign.

“To have 25 players recommit to the Hawks is fantastic news for the entire Hawthorn community,” he said.

“These players have shown a great amount of faith in our program and the direction we’re heading in.

“Our environment at the Hawks is first-class and our players clearly recognise that.

“We look forward to supporting all 25 players as their exciting journeys progress.”

Hawthorn now turns its attention to the AFLW Season Eight supplementary draft on Tuesday 4 April.

Hawthorn AFLW re-signings 

  • Tegan Cunningham 
  • Janet Baird 
  • Jasmine Fleming 
  • Zoe Barbakos 
  • Aileen Gilroy 
  • Tahlia Fellows 
  • Kaitlyn Ashmore 
  • Jenna Richardson 
  • Louise Stephenson
  • Aine McDonagh 
  • Charlotte Baskaran 
  • Bridget Deed 
  • Ainslie Kemp 
  • Mackenzie Eardley 
  • Tilly Lucas-Rodd 
  • Bridie Hipwell 
  • Laura Elliott 
  • Sophie Locke 
  • Tamara Luke 
  • Sarah Perkins 
  • Tamara Smith 
  • Emily Everist 
  • Lucy Wales 
  • Akec Makur Chuot 
  • Catherine Brown