Watching Aine McDonagh in 2023, you would find it hard to believe that it was just her second year of playing Aussie Rules.
Before joining the Hawks, McDonagh was skilled in Gaelic Football and basketball but hadn't had much exposure to the Sherrin.
Fast forward two seasons and the 25-year-old is arguably one of Hawthorn's most important players out on the field.
At 182cm, McDonagh proved to be a reliable target in the forward line and used it to her full advantage, kicking at least one goal in her first eight games of the season.
She not only went on to become the club's leading goalkicker for 2023, but also all time, surpassing former vice-captain Jess Duffin who booted 10 goals in what would be her final AFLW campaign.
With 14 goals next to her name across her first two seasons, the only way is up for McDonagh in seasons to come.
Key 2023 stats:
Total goals: 10
Disposals per game: 11
Marks per game: 2.6
Key achievements:
- Leading goalkicker for 2023
- All-time Hawthorn leading goalkicker
- Most Improved Player at Hawthorn's best and fairest
Best game:
Round 6 v St Kilda
Picking just one game was a difficult task, which is a testament to the consistency shown by McDonagh across her 2023 campaign.
After a disappointing start from the Hawks, McDonagh played a big part in bringing her team back into this game at RSEA Park.
The 25-year-old kicked two goals from her 11 disposals while also laying three tackles and taking three marks.
As was the case throughout the season, McDonagh also proved to be handy when pinch-hitting in the ruck, tallying a season-high four hit-outs.
