After joining the Hawks in the 2023 trade period, Eliza West has made in immediate impact at her new club.

Seven months into the brown and gold era of her career, West was voted in as vice-captain, a testament to her enthusiasm and leadership.

West said she’s still feeling a variety of emotions around her appointment, but the dominant feeling is excitement.

“I’m still feeling pretty overwhelmed about it and excited, I mean it was super special to have been appointed this position,” West said.

“But I’m just feeling everything about it at the moment, I think I just go through waves of being super excited, a bit nervous, a bit of everything.

“I just really want to do well for the team.”

West was elated at the feedback from her fellow Hawks and to be recognised as a leader so quickly among the group.

“It means so much, it’s really special to hear what a lot of my teammates had to say about the impact I’ve had since being here,” she said.

“I think I always try to do my best with everything I do, to just hear that it’s been positively impacting everybody and allowing them to be the best version of themselves as they’re helping me be the best version of myself, it just means a lot and it’s so special.”

Yet to take to the field for the Hawks in an official capacity, West said her time with the club has been amazing so far and she can’t wait for the 2024 season.   

“Since I’ve come here everybody has wrapped their arms around me and made me feel so supported, a part of the team since day one,” West said.

“I feel super valued, I think everyone on this team feels so valuable, that’s just the environment we’ve created for each other.

“There’s no doubt we’re going to do well this year and thrive just because of this culture and what we’re building.

“I can’t wait for us to play people other than ourselves to start with, so when we get to do that first match sim against Essendon, I’m sure we’ll all be going hard at it and having a great time.

“But just the season overall, just being able to get out there with the team and compete hard, because that’s what we’ve been training for all pre-season. So just for it to come along and get into it.”

Watch Eliza’s full interview below.