Head coach Paddy Hill reflects on each of his defenders seasons in 2019.
Kirby Bentley
Games: 11
Ave disposals: 10.8
Best game: R10 v Carlton: 16 disposals, three marks and two tackles.
“Kirby added a lot of experience and a touch of magic to our backline. Fitted into the group from day one.” – Paddy Hill
Steph Carroll
Games: 14
Ave disposals: 9.6
Best game: R11 v Richmond: 14 disposals, three marks and three tackles.
“The ultimate utility player, Steph played in every role this year apart from the ruck. She is the very definition of selfless.” – Paddy Hill
Read: VFLW season review: forwards
Dianna Haines
Games: 6
Ave disposals: 5.5
Best game: R13 v Melbourne University: Four disposals, one mark and three tackles.
“Everybody just loves Disey and she will be sorely missed in our group. While she didn’t have the season she would have liked, a standout game against Melbourne Uni helped us record a famous win.” – Paddy Hill
Ellie Macdonald
Games: 7
Ave disposals: 8.9
Best game: R2 v Collingwood: 13 disposals, four marks and four tackles.
“Started the year well before suffering a badly broken finger mid-season. She returned in Round 15 with a very good performance against St Kilda.” – Paddy Hill
Laura McClelland
Games: 4
Ave disposals: 6
Best game: R13 v Melbourne University: Eight disposals, two marks and two tackles.
“Was a sensation down back in the national carnival and continued that form playing for Hawthorn.” – Paddy Hill
Ebony Nixon
Games: 10
Ave disposals: 8.1
Best game: R1 v Northern Territory: 20 disposals, six marks and five tackles.
“After a great start to the year, Ebony had some injury setbacks. She finished the year strongly.” – Paddy Hill
Chantella Perera
Games: 12
Ave disposals: 8.3
Best game: R1 v Northern Territory: 12 disposals, one goal, four marks and six tackles.
“Was very good early in the year and tried a number of different roles as the season went on.” – Paddy Hill
Talia Radan
Games: 14
Ave disposals: 10
Best game: R15 v Southern Saints: 18 disposals and two marks.
“Talia played every game this year and was a real rock for us down back.” – Paddy Hill
Pepa Randall
Games: 8
Ave disposals: 9.3
Best game: R7 v Southern Saints: 12 disposals, four marks and five tackles.
“Some very good shut down roles on some of the league’s best players helped the Hawks to some good wins.” – Paddy Hill
Maddison Shaw
Games: 6
Ave disposals: 4.2
Best game: R9 v Geelong: Seven disposals and two tackles.
“Our first recruit from the Gippsland Power, Maddi played six games this year. A real prospect for the future.” – Paddy Hill
Jess Sibley
Games: 11
Ave disposals: 7.3
Best game: R7 v St Kilda: 15 disposals and eight marks.
“Jess suffered some injury setbacks this year but produced some great football when out there. Whether forward or back, Jess was a strong presence in our team.” – Paddy Hill
Jayde Van Dyk
Games: 8
Ave disposals: 16.3
Best game: R10 v Carlton: 27 disposals, three marks and five tackles.
“Was amongst our best players every time she pulled on the boots. Unfortunately, due to AFLW restriction we only saw her eight times”
Ebony Wroe
Games: 10
Ave disposals: 6.6
Best game: R1 v Northern Territory: 16 disposals, one mark and one tackle.
“Recruited to the club this year, Ebony had a great first season with the Hawks. Playing 10 games, her skills by hand and foot were first rate.” – Paddy Hill
