Laura Stone, Jess Vukic and Mikayla Williamson will each realise their AFLW dream this weekend, with the trio of Hawthorn youngsters set to take to the field at the highest level for the first time.

The three teenagers will be among the Hawks' 21 when they begin their 2024 AFLW season this Sunday, hosting Carlton at Kinetic Stadium in Frankston.

Hawthorn General Manager of Football Operations Max Bailey said the trio of debutants have earned their spot in this team. 

“We’re so proud of the work Laura, Jess and Mikayla have put in since joining Hawthorn, this weekend is a credit to their hard work and will be an exciting moment for them and their families,” Bailey said. 

“They’ve had an immediate impact on our program and we’re confident they will be key players in our future success.”

Recruited from Eastern Ranges, Stone joined the Hawks via the 2023 AFLW expansion pre-signing period. 

Stone was named captain of the Coates Talent League Girls Team of the Year and also earned selection in the Under 18 All Australian team, named at half-back in both. 

“Laura is a natural footballer, you can see it when she plays and she’s capable of playing multiple positions. We’re excited to have her in the team and getting games under her belt,” Bailey said. 

Vukic also joined the club via the 2023 AFLW expansion pre-signing period as an Eastern Ranges product.

She earned selection in the Coates Talent League Girls Team of the Year, represented VIC Metro and was an AFLW Academy graduate. 

The 180cm 19-year-old has shown her versatility in the ruck and up forward heading into her first season.

“Jess is a such a physical presence and that’s a huge strength of hers, it’s what we’re asking her to do and want her to embrace that on the field as she does at training,” Bailey said. 

Williamson was selected by Hawthorn via Pick 17 in the 2023 national draft. 

The 18-year-old has had a strong pre-season, impressing off the wing in both practice matches. 

Williamson had a stellar season in her top underage year, making the Coates Talent League Girls Team of the Year and the Under 18 All Australian team and broke the all-time record in the AFLW Draft Combine 2km time trial.

“Mikayla’s run and competitiveness is impressive, as an 18-year-old she’s already impacting games as a winger, which is difficult to do,” Bailey said.  

Hawthorn will release its full squad for Week 1 tonight at 6.20pm, before the final team is announced Friday at 5pm.