Hawthorn utility Louise Stephenson is set to play her 50th AFLW match under Saturday night Semi Final lights when the Hawks host Port Adelaide at IKON Park.

The 29-year-old joined the Hawks ahead of their inaugural season after featuring for GWS 33 times across five years. 

Stephenson made an immediate impact in brown and gold, having been elected to the team’s inaugural leadership group. 

The strong defender has since been able to showcase her versatility in the brown and gold, having shifted forward in a number of games this year to boot four goals from her seven matches. 

Prior to being drafted by the Giants as a priority selection in 2016, Stephenson grew up playing local footy for St Damians before impressing with Melbourne University in the VFL Women’s competition.

Stephenson becomes the second Hawk to reach their 50-game milestone this season, following Aileen Gilroy and Casey Sherriff celebrating their half-centuries in Week 2. 

In previous years, Kaitlyn Ashmore and Tilly Lucas-Rodd played their 50th matches in Hawthorn’s first AFLW season while Greta Bodey suited up for her 50th game in Cairns in 2023.