Hawthorn’s 2023 AFLW best and fairest will be crowned on Wednesday night at Crown Aviary from 7pm.
Here are just some names who could be in contention below.
Tilly Lucas-Rodd
Last year’s winner had another consistent season in the midfield. Lucas-Rodd averaged 19.3 disposals, 6.6 tackles and 4.8 clearances, polled 23 coaches votes and four votes at the W Awards, including a best-on-groud performance against Sydney in Round 7.
Emily Bates
Co-vice-captain Bates has put together an impressive maiden season in brown and gold. The star midfielder topped the team in disposal (20.8) and tackle (9.7) averages, coaches votes and W Award votes following a strong display across all 10 games this season.
Kaitlyn Ashmore
Ashmore finished third among Hawthorn’s coaches and W Awards votes following an impressive season. The 32-year-old was not only her usual consistent self on the wing but she was also able to demonstrate her versatility by providing run and carry off half-back. She averaged 15 disposals, 3.8 tackles and 3.6 marks from 10 games in 2023.
Jasmine Fleming
After finishing on the podium in last year's count, Fleming caught the eye again in 2023 with her run and dash in the midfield. The 19-year-old increased her disposal average from last season to record 16 per game, alongside 4.1 tackles and 2.1 clearances. She also received her second Rising Star nomination in as many seasons for her Round 3 performance against Fremantle.
Aine McDonagh
Our leading goalkicker in 2023, McDonagh continued to emerge as a dangerous forward in just her second season of football. The 25-year-old booted 10 goals for the year including kicking a major in her first eight games of the season. She backed that up with 11 disposals and 2.6 marks per game.
Kristy Stratton
Stratton burst onto the scene in her first season as a Hawk, highlighted by her match-winning two-goal performance against Sydney in Round 7. After playing all 10 matches this season, the 28-year-old averaged 10.3 disposals and seven tackles.
Jenna Richardson
A reliable and often underrated defender, Richardson had the job on some of the league’s best forwards each week. The 22-year-old led the team in intercept possessions with 6.8 and was nominated for the AFLPA’s MVP award, alongside Kaitlyn Ashmore and Tilly Lucas-Rodd. She also averaged 11.7 disposals and 3.7 marks.
