Hawthorn is set to unleash star recruits Eliza West and Casey Sherriff in Sunday’s Week 1 clash with Carlton, with the pair named to make their club debut for the brown and gold.
The premiership duo has been influential since joining the club from Melbourne in the 2023 Trade Period, bringing with them a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm.
Hawthorn General Manager of Football Operations Max Bailey said the duo will be a welcome addition to the Week 1 team.
“Eliza and Casey bring in experience and success, they both stood out to us as players we wanted in our program,” Bailey said.
“We’re excited by the impact they’ve had, not only as players but as people as well.
“They embody the Hawthorn values so naturally, you watch them among the group it’s like they’ve been with us for 10 years.
West’s impact at the club was immediate, highlighted by her appointment as vice-captain in her first pre-season with the Hawks.
West played 36 games across her three seasons with the Melbourne Demons, establishing herself as both a ferocious and talented midfielder.
“Eliza compliments our midfield group really well, her in and under strengths and ability to get the ball inside to out is why we brought her here and we can’t wait to see her deliver that," Bailey said.
Having grown up a Hawthorn supporter, Sherriff’s first official appearance in the brown and gold adds an extra layer of significance for the new recruit.
Originally drafted to the Demons as a replacement player in 2019, Sherriff went on to play 48 games before making the move to Hawthorn at the end of the 2023 season.
The classy midfielder has showcased her speed and endurance around the ground during her first pre-season with the Hawks.
“Casey’s ball use is a standout and she brings a level of composure that we haven’t had previously," Bailey said.
“It’s already apparent, how these two players immediately make us better."
Hawthorn will release its full squad for Week 1 tonight at 6.20pm, before the final team is announced Friday at 5pm.
