Hawthorn has welcomed Mikayla Williamson and Sophie Butterworth to the club following the 2023 AFL Women’s Draft on Monday night. 

Williamson was selected with the Hawks’ top pick (Pick 17) after impressing as a midfielder for the Dandenong Stingrays and Vic Country.

The 18-year-old went on to represent Vic Country and dominated with averages of 18.3 disposals and four tackles, earning her All Australian honours.

Boasting incredible agility, endurance and explosiveness, Williamson is set to mix in perfectly with the likes of Emily Bates, Tilly Lucas-Rodd and Jasmine Fleming in Hawthorn’s midfield group.

With Pick 45, the Hawks drafted key forward Sophie Butterworth, who impressed with her kicking and marking as well as an ability to impact the scoreboard while playing for the Dandenong Stingrays and Vic Country this year.

Butterworth, who only turned 18 last week, booted 31 goals in 15 games for the Stingrays in the Coates Talent League this year, finishing in the top 10 of all goal-kickers.

Her impressive season saw her earn selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year as well as represent Vic Country, where she booted a goal in both appearances at the National Championships.

Hawthorn AFLW List Manager Mitchell Cashion was delighted to welcome Williamson and Butterworth to the club.

“We’re so excited to see what Mikayla and Sophie can produce in the brown and gold,” Cashion said.

“Both players have unique strengths and fill positional needs for us as a club, which will only enhance our young and developing list come 2024.

“In the midfield, Mikayla is set to provide explosiveness and impressive running power while with Sophie, we can expect to see some strong marks and scoreboard impact come 2024. 

“Together with expansion signings Laura Stone, Jess Vukic and Hayley McLaughlin as well as premiership players Eliza West and Casey Sherriff joining us through the trade period, our future is looking bright.”