Hawthorn’s Emily Bates is not only a star midfielder. 

The 28-year-old also works in the club’s recruiting team, balancing her playing duties with scouting and profiling players ahead of this week’s AFL Draft. 

When draft night came around, Bates was in the inner sanctum working closely with National Recruiting & List Manager Mark McKenzie and AFL Recruiter/ AFLW List Manager Mitchell Cashion. 

The Hawks co-vice-captain told The W Show that she was “pretty fortunate” to be working with the team. 

“I’ve been working with the recruiting and list management team since about June,” Bates said.

“I was also able to head to the draft the last couple of nights which was an awesome experience.

“I’ve been doing a lot of vision, going to a lot of Coates Talent League games and then putting together player profiles.

“To then actually see these boys get drafted the last couple of nights was pretty special.”

Bates was particularly intrigued by the live trading element of the draft - something that is yet to be implemented at AFLW level. 

“When all the live trades come through, it’s pretty exciting,” she said.

“The teamwork they have to get it done in that five-minute period, it’s pretty stressful but it’s exciting to be a part of.”

Bates also played a big part in the club recruiting lively forward Nick Watson, having been part of his interview with the club. 

She looked forward to seeing what he could produce in the brown and gold. 

“It was awesome to meet him,” Bates said.

“Obviously he’s got such a big name for himself already - ‘The Wizard.’

“He’s a great character, he’s going to be a perfect fit for the club, he has that bit of spunk about him which is exciting.

“I can tell he’s going to be a cult hero at Hawthorn for many years to come.

“Hawks fans should be very excited.”

Hawthorn fans can now also look forward to the AFLW Draft, which takes place on Monday 18 December.

The draft will be available to watch for free on the AFLW App.