Young gun Mackenzie Eardley will remain a Hawk until at least the end of 2027 after re-committing to the club in a three-year deal. 

The number 17 has played 18 games in the brown and gold since she was selected at Pick 6 in the 2022 AFLW Draft. 

An inaugural Hawk, Eardley made her debut in Round 1 of Season 7 (2022) and went on to play seven games in her first season. 

The key defender made great progress in her second year at the top level, playing nine of a possible 10 games in 2023, while averaging 9.3 disposals and 3.3 tackles per game. 

Often tasked with shutting down some of the opposition's most dangerous forwards, Eardley's strong 2023 campaign was rewarded with a top-10 finish in Hawthorn's best and fairest.

Despite missing Week 1 this year through injury, the 183cm talent made an immediate impact on return in Week 2, finishing with 15 disposals, five intercept possessions and five marks. While Week 3 saw her manage an equal game-high eight tackles. 

Hawthorn AFLW List Manager Keegan Brooksby said the club was thrilled to keep Eardley in Hawks colours for at least the next three years.

“We’re very excited to have Mack re-sign with the club long term,” Brooksby said. 

"As an agile and versatile key defender, Mack has demonstrated she has an elite ability to intercept through the air, while shutting down her opponent

"On the back of strong development and commitment to her craft, this contract is a great reward and highlights the belief we have in her.

"Mack is a key piece to what we are building here at Hawthorn, and we are very confident she has a bright future ahead in the brown and gold."