Hawthorn defender Jenna Richardson says her decision to re-sign with club until the end of 2027 was a relatively easy one.

Fresh from putting pen to paper on the long-term deal, the 22 year-old shared her thought process behind the decision.

“It really came to a pretty simple decision, it was just am I happy at Hawthorn? And the answer was yes, so there’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” said Richardson.

Richardson said she’s loved her time at Hawthorn and is eager for what’s to come.

“The group was so welcoming when I first joined and I think because the club was new as well, like a new team, it was a really easy transition coming from Box Hill and I’m just so excited," Richardson said.

In terms of her individual goal for the upcoming season, Richardson said she’s looking to improve on her form from 2023.

“I just really want to build off last season and become one of the most reliable and best defenders in the comp,” she said.

In addition to her talents on the football field, Richardson last year completed her Bachelor of Psychology with Honours and is putting in the work towards that career path.

“I did finish my honours last year, which was really relieving and awesome. So I’m taking the year off studying this year, doing some volunteering and research things,” said Richardson.

 “I have one starting soon in the AFL space with concussion so just helping run a study there and I also do some at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“So just gaining experience before I go do my master eventually.”

Richardson joins the like of Bridie Hipwell, Jasmine Fleming and Laura Elliott in signing until the end of 2027, adding to the exciting trajectory in which the Hawks are heading.

“That’s also something that made it really easy to sign on, the direction we’re heading is so good. New coach on board, ‘D Web’ (Daniel Webster) he has great vision and I think we can get there.”

See the full interview with Richardson below.