Star Hawthorn midfielder Emily Bates dominated in her first season as a Hawk. 

She sat down to chat about her Dad’s legacy, as well as her football and leadership journeys. 

You always wore the No. 1 at Brisbane. Why did you choose to wear No. 39 in 2023?

“My Dad wore No. 39 when he played - he never played at a high level but he always loved that number and it was what he used for everything. When I couldn't be No. 1 at the Hawks, I thought the only other number that has a lot of meaning is No. 39 so it's nice to wear.”

How big of a role did your Dad play in your footy journey?

“He'd wake me up at 7am on the weekends when I was 12-13 years old to go for runs. Even if I was vomiting, he'd tell me we’re not allowed to stop. I’d do 100 sit-ups each night as well. He loved being my coach and he was just so proud when I'd win. He wanted me to wear No. 1 throughout my junior career because he said you are number one.”

Unfortunately, your Dad passed away before you got drafted, but how did you feel when you heard your name get called out by the Lions back in 2016?

“Getting drafted really was a dream come true. I devoted so much of my life to football without even having a league to play in. I remember thinking I would play in the AFLW for free so then to actually get paid for it was a bonus.”

You had a very successful career at Brisbane over seven seasons. What made you want to join the Hawks?

“I think I'm someone who is open to taking any opportunities that are presented to me. I was ready for a change, I was ready for something new and I always wanted to live in Melbourne at some point in my life. It was just the right timing for me with the priority signing period - I was able to have a new journey with a team that needed experience, that needed leadership, that needed someone to show the young girls the way. It all happened at the right time, the stars aligned and I'm really happy I did it.” 

What was one of the highlights of your first season in brown and gold?

“I think what stood out to me was our first win in Round 2. Seeing the happiness on these young girls’ faces was actually so refreshing because at Brisbane, it was expected to win and winning was so common that you sort of didn't have that same joy and passion when it happened, whereas seeing the gusto of what the song was sung and the happiness on people's faces, it just shows like what it means to people and you just want to keep doing it. When you have those moments where it all clicks and you have passages where it all comes together, it's really rewarding. But there’s been highs and lows and it has been a rollercoaster at times. It's frustrating when it doesn't work out but when it does, it is great, and it just shows that there's a lot of promise for the future.” 

You also had a leadership position as co-vice-captain alongside Jas Fleming. What have you made of her as a player and a leader?

“I haven't really met any young footballers like Jas. As co-vice-captains, we bonded on the fact that we're quite similar in the way we go about things. We're both leaders who lead by example, work really hard and inspire teammates through action. It's funny how in a team meeting, I’ll look to my left and she just sort of appears there. I feel like sometimes we're each other 's shadow because I think we just relate a lot. Coming into the club, it's an honour to hold any title and leadership position but to be at the forefront of the change and development of the club means a lot.”