Hawthorn has named five players for their maiden game in brown and gold, alongside a strong outfit of familiar faces to take on the Blues.
As announced yesterday, young Hawks in Laura Stone, Jess Vukic and Mikayla Williamson will make their AFLW debut, while Eliza West and Casey Sherriff will officially play for the Hawks for the first time come Sunday afternoon.
The trio of teenagers have earned their spot in the side off the back of their strong showings in both preseason practice matches.
Premiership duo of West and Sherriff were always a lock to play Week 1, having showcased their talent and Hawthorn spirit from the moment they arrived.
Hawthorn General Manager of Football Operations Max Bailey said the five new players will bolster an already exciting line-up.
“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.
“Eliza and Casey bring in experience and success, they both stood out to us as players we wanted in our program.
“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.
“It’s already apparent, how these two players immediately make us better."
WEEK 1 TEAM
Hawthorn v Carlton
Sunday 1 September
Kinetic Stadium, Frankston, 1.05pm AEST
B: Jenna Richardson, Ainslie Kemp
HB: Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Kaitlyn Ashmore, Laura Stone
C: Casey Sherriff, Emily Bates, Mikayla Williamson
HF: Greta Bodey, Mattea Breed, Aine McDonagh
F: Jess Vukic, Bridie Hipwell
R: Lucy Wales, Jasmine Fleming, Eliza West
INT: Emily Everist, Charlotte Baskaran, Laura Elliott, Tamara Smith, Aileen Gilroy
EMG: Bridget Deed, Hayley McLaughlin, Louise Stephenson
New: Eliza West (Melbourne), Casey Sherriff (Melbourne), Laura Stone (Eastern Ranges), Jess Vukic (Eastern Ranges), Mikayla Williamson (Dandenong Stingrays)
