Hawthorn's 2023 AFLW season has finally arrived, with the team set to take on Essendon under Saturday night lights at Kinetic Stadium, Frankston.

After recording three wins in their maiden AFLW season, the Hawks will be aiming to begin their second season on a high note and get a win over the old enemy in front of a packed crowd. 

The game also marks the first for Mattea Breed, Kristy Stratton, Emily Bates and Greta Bodey in Hawthorn colours, which is an unmissable spectacle.

Tickets are still available for the game HERE, with general admission tickets costing $10 per adult while grandstand seating is just $15 for an adult. Kids go in free! 

If you're not doing so already, follow Hawthorn's AFLW team via social media on Facebook, X, Threads and Instagram for game updates with additional coverage on hawthornfc.com.au. 

Details 

WHO: Hawthorn v Essendon 

WHAT: Round 1

WHEN: Saturday 2 September 

TIME: 7.15pm AEST 

WHERE: Kinetic Stadium, Frankston

BROADCAST: Channel 7 and 7+

RADIO: 3WBC 

What's on

Heaps! 

In addition to an entertaining game, there will be entertainment all around the ground. 

You'll see food trucks, kids activities (including inflatables and a hair stylist), a DJ, performers, giveaways and more! 

There will also be a sensory room available from 6pm.

Membership 

A Hawthorn AFLW membership is the best way to secure your spots for Saturday night's game. 

If you haven't already, sign up here!

Due to high demand for our opening match, members are strongly encouraged to redeem a $0 ticket to secure their entry into the game.

Members are asked to check their emails for more information on how to do this.

How to watch 

For those wanting to follow along at home, the game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and 7+.

Follow @hawthornaflw on Facebook, X, Threads and Instagram for behind-the-scenes access and all the best highlights, photos, stats and stories throughout the game.

Last time we met 

Essendon (53) defeated Hawthorn (27), Round 1, S7

Although the Hawks couldn't come out on top, this game will be remembered for reasons beyond the scoreboard. 

The match marked the first for both Essendon and Hawthorn in the AFLW, with both teams playing a great brand of footy in front of over 12,000 fans at Marvel Stadium. 

Star winger Kaitlyn Ashmore celebrated her 50th AFLW game while childhood Hawthorn supporters Sophie Locke and Sarah Perkins were both able to kick historic goals on the night.

It was a seesawing contest throughout, with the Bombers getting the first two goals on the board and sustaining their lead into half-time before the Hawks won the third quarter and blew the game wide open. 

They ran out of legs in the end but it was the start of what was to come for the Hawks last season, as they built from that loss to secure three victories for the year. 

Getting to Frankston

There are a variety of different options available for anyone who is travelling to Saturday night's game in Frankston to make it easy to enjoy the match. 

Public Transport 

Frankston Train Station is approximately a 9 minute walk from Kinetic Stadium. With regular departures from various Metro Melbourne stations, it's an easy way to go get to and from the game. The route that will be the most direct if walking is via the Young Street exit, where you will turn left and follow the road along until you arrive at the Stadium.

By Car

Frankston is approx 45 min drive from the Melbourne. There is a wide variety of public car parks available, however, fees and restrictions may apply, so please check signage.

  • Frankston Arts Centre Car Park undercover car park (fees apply) – 4 minute walk to stadium  
  • Bayside Shopping Centre Entertainment Complex (fees apply) –11 minute walk to stadium  
  • Frankston Train Station – 9 minute walk to stadium  
  • High Street
  • Beauty Park
  • Nepean Highway

We recommend arriving early to get a good parking spot close to the game.

For more information about Frankston, including places to eat and activities around the town, click here.