Hawthorn has welcomed three new emerging stars as part of the AFLW Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period.
Eastern Ranges products Laura Stone, Jess Vukic and Hayley McLaughlin were eligible to be snapped up by the Hawks prior to the draft, meaning the exciting trio can now join the club directly ahead of a highly anticipated 2024 season.
Stone dominated in Ranges colours this season, averaging 20.5 disposals, 6.2 tackles and 5.1 inside 50s from 11 appearances in the midfield and across half-back.
By season’s end, she was named captain of the Coates Talent League Girls Team of the Year at half-back, highlighting her versatility and leadership throughout her 2023 campaign.
While representing Vic Metro this season, Stone averaged 20.5 disposals (9.5 contested) and 3.5 tackles to earn a spot in the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Girls All Australian team on the half-back flank.
Vukic arrives at the Hawks off the back of a stellar Coates Talent League Girls campaign with the Eastern Ranges as the most dominant ruck in the competition.
The 18-year-old also suited up on two occasions for Box Hill in 2023, averaging 15 hit-outs and nine disposals.
The star ruck/ forward was an AFLW Academy product and represented Vic Metro in the U18 National Championships in both 2022 and 2023.
McLaughlin featured in 15 games for the Eastern Ranges this season, averaging 19.1 disposals, 3.8 marks and 3.3 tackles.
The talented winger then went on to make her VFLW debut with Box Hill at just 17 years old, averaging 9.5 disposals and two tackles in her two appearances.
She also earned Vic Metro selection and was ranked among the team’s best players in their 16-point win over Vic Country.
Hawthorn AFLW List Manager Mitchell Cashion was delighted at the conclusion of the Pre-Signing Period.
“We are excited to welcome Laura, Jess and Hayley to Hawthorn,” Cashion said.
“Having utilised our strong connection with the Eastern Ranges, these three players now have a direct route to the Hawks, which is an amazing opportunity for them.
“This is also a fantastic opportunity for the club, with three players with first-round draft potential now joining the brown and gold.
“In Laura, we’re getting someone who has had an outstanding junior career and possesses incredible speed, smarts and competitive drive.
“With Jess, we boost our ruck and forward stocks with someone who has impressive strength, ferocity and a willingness to compete.
“Meanwhile, Hayley is a really exciting prospect who will add some extra outside run and ball skills for us on the wing.
“Laura, Jess and Hayley will form an important part of the future of our football club and we can’t wait to see what they produce on the track over the upcoming season and beyond.”
Hawthorn now turns its attention to the AFLW Trade Period, which runs from Thursday 7 to 14 December.
The 2023 AFLW Draft follows after that on Monday 18 December.
