Lucy Wales, Emily Everist, Ainslie Kemp, Emily Bates, Jasmine Fleming and Greta Bodey have all been recognised with a club award at Hawthorn’s AFLW best and fairest on Thursday night.
Wales was named the winner of the World Class Award following her strong improvement this season. Wales suited up in all 13 games in 2024, finishing with a total of 336 hitouts, averaging 25.8 per game, highlighted by a career-best performance of 43 hitouts coming in Week 6 against Fremantle.
Wales’ effort and consistency, as well as her commitment to the growth of her game has been evident, recognised by her maiden selection in the All-Australian squad.
Everist took out the Competitor Award following a courageous and dominant year in defence.
Everist is a determined and reliable player, always competing hard around the footy and courageous in pursuit. She’s known for her tenacity on the field and ability to nullify some of the league’s star forwards, and always delivering on what’s expected of her.
The 20-year-old also showed strength off-field this season, with her pre-season interrupted by illness and also at various stages across the year, her resilience and determination to overcome these and show up for the team was admirable.
In no surprise, Kemp was awarded the Unbreakable Award for her consistent season and welcoming demeanour.
Both on and off the field, Kemp is a player who ensures everyone feels part of the team, the ultimate club person.
A consistent and dependable player, Kemp lined up for every game for the Hawks this season, which was a first during her time in her brown and gold career.
A first-time award for the Hawks AFLW program, the Best Player in Finals, had dual winners with Bates and Fleming sharing the title.
Bates had one of her best games of the season in the Qualifying Final against her former side, the Brisbane Lions. While Fleming also saved her best for the pointy end of the season, with her standout performance coming against Port Adelaide in the Semi Final.
In the first week of finals Bates led all-comers with a game-high 22 disposals, game-high nine tackles, game-high five score involvements and three clearances. Fleming amassed 17 disposals, four inside 50s and three clearances.
While the second week saw Fleming finish with one goal, 15 disposals, a game-high nine score involvements and an equal team-high four clearances. Bates collected 22 disposals, nine tackles and an equal team-high four clearances.
The star duo a clear standout throughout the Hawks maiden finals campaign.
Bodey was recognised by her fellow teammates as the Players’ Player for 2024.
Each week post-game the selected 21 players vote on who they judged the players player, with Bodey accumulating the most votes to take out the title.
Bodey played 11 of a possible 13 games in 2024, she is a driver of standards and is reliable at any stage of the game.
Whether it was kicking a bag of six goals in Week 4 against St Kilda or racking up 23 disposals against Richmond in Week 10, Bodey consistently showed up for her team.
She averaged 13.6 disposals, 3.3 tackles and at least one goal a game for the 2024 season.
See the full list of award winners below.
World Class Award – Lucy Wales
Competitor Award – Emily Everist
Unbreakable Award – Ainslie Kemp
Best Player in Finals – Emily Bates & Jasmine Fleming
Players’ Player – Greta Bodey
