Hawthorn defender Jenna Richardson has inked a long-term deal to remain in the brown and gold, re-signing with the club until at least the end of 2027.
22-year-old Richardson has established herself as one of Hawthorn’s most reliable defenders after rising to prominence in a breakout 2023 season, which saw the youngster claim a runner-up finish in the club’s best and fairest count.
The 170cm versatile back grew in confidence as the year wore on, averaging 11.7 disposals, including 6.8 intercept possessions and 3.7 marks per game.
After missing the first five games of Hawthorn’s 2022 AFLW campaign due to injury, the defender broke through for her debut in Round 6 and has held her spot in the side ever since.
In her first few seasons, Richardson has been tasked with nullifying the impact of some of the most dangerous players in the competition, including the now-retired duo of Port Adelaide’s Erin Phillips and GWS’ Cora Staunton.
Off the field, Richardson also recently claimed the club’s Outstanding Excellence Award off the back of her success in balancing her professional football with part-time work and tertiary studies, completing a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours.
Hawthorn AFLW List Manager Keegan Brooksby was delighted to see Richardson put pen to paper.
“We’re excited to have Jenna commit to the club for the long-term following an impressive start to her career in the brown and gold,” Brooksby said.
“Jenna’s re-signing demonstrates a strong belief in the program and the direction of the football club. Since joining from Box Hill in 2022, Jenna has thrived in a high-performance environment as an individual and a teammate while exemplifying the standards we value as a club.
“Along with being a reliable and consistent defender, Jenna has also demonstrated her leadership among her emerging peers, making her a key figure in our backline for years to come.
“Jenna joins fellow emerging defender Laura Elliott in committing to the club until the end of 2027, which is a really exciting sign for Hawks fans and what the future holds for the brown and gold.”
Hawthorn’s 2024 AFLW season begins on Sunday 1 September as the brown and gold hosts Carlton in a blockbuster clash at Kinetic Stadium, Frankston.
