An honest conversation with Hawthorn AFLW Senior Coach Bec Goddard led to Kristy Stratton realising her brown and gold dream.

The 28-year-old earned her second chance at the elite level when her name was read out at Pick 18 of the AFLW Season Eight supplementary draft.

Her first opportunity with Collingwood ended in heartbreak, as the talented midfielder/ forward was delisted after playing 11 games across three years.

Since that journey ended in 2021, Stratton has worked tirelessly to get back to playing AFLW.

“Last year, I had a conversation with Bec about what I needed to improve on and it was mainly my fitness,” she said.

“I’ve been working really hard in the gym and it’s paid off.”

Despite her AFLW journey ending temporarily, Stratton knew she had heaps of footy left in her, returning to the club that led her to get drafted in the first place, Box Hill. 

After being the first AFLW draftee out of the program, Stratton went on to achieve further success in her second stint, winning the club’s goalkicking award and coming second in its best and fairest last season.

She couldn’t speak highly enough of the program when reflecting on her journey.

“I love every single person that’s involved at Box Hill,” Stratton said.

“As soon as I got delisted by Collingwood, I got straight on the phone (and came back).

“They’re just all unbelievable people and I love the club.”

To be drafted for a second time out of the same program led to Stratton letting all the emotions out on draft night.

Surrounded by her family and her dogs, it was a moment to savour.

“It’s been a long two years since I got delisted,” Stratton said.

“To be picked up by Hawthorn, I’m just speechless.”

Not only was Stratton excited to join the Hawks, but fans should be excited her potential in the brown and gold too.

“I like to get in and under, apply pressure and kick a few sneaky goals,” she said.