The 2020 AFLW season officially kicked off on Friday night, with nine players who donned the brown and gold in the 2019 VFLW season taking the field throughout the opening weekend.
Although it remains unclear which players will return to Hawthorn ahead of the VFLW season, we’ve taken a look at each potential Hawk’s performance from the AFLW’s first game.
READ: 2020 VFLW fixture released
Jordan Membrey – Collingwood
Membrey (eight disposals, five kicks and three handballs) began her third season in the AFLW with a strong performance helping the Pies to a 27-point win over West Coast on Sunday. It was Membrey’s first time playing in Round 1, and she didn’t disappoint.
Chantella Perera - West Coast
Playing against former Hawthorn teammate Membrey, Perera’s AFLW debut was bittersweet. She collected nine disposals, six kicks and three handballs, but the Eagles’ efforts weren’t enough to get one up on the Pies.
Talia Radan - West Coast
Playing in her fourth AFLW season, and her first in the west, Radan joined Perera in representing the Eagles against the Pies at Victoria Park. A strong presence in full back, Radan showed glimpses of her talent as a defender, nullifying her opponents.
Rosie Dillon – St Kilda
It was a dream come true for long-time Hawk Rosie Dillon, who ran out in the black, white and red for her AFLW debut. She demonstrated her strength in the contest, collecting seven tackles alongside five disposals and three handballs. Despite the Saints’ 25-point loss, the 24-year-old showed her talent and the potential she has moving forward at AFLW level.
Jayde Van Dyk – Carlton
In her second year at the Blues, Van Dyk once again continued her dominance in the backline with 11 disposals, four kicks, seven handballs and six tackles. It was a perfect Round 1 for the 23-year-old with Carlton securing a 34-point win over Richmond.
Laura McClelland – Richmond
Playing against former Hawthorn teammate Van Dyk, McClelland celebrated her AFLW debut running out for new club Richmond.
The 19-year-old had five disposals and four handballs - a solid display in her first performance at the top level.
Rebecca Beeson – GWS
Coming off the back of a stellar season that saw her win the 2019 GWS best and fairest award, Beeson started 2020 in style. She braved tough weather to help her side to a one-point win over the Gold Coast Suns. Despite the wet conditions, the 22-year-old managed to register 11 disposals, eight kicks and three handballs.
Pepa Randall – GWS
Randall returned to GWS for her third season and joined her teammate Beeson in GWS’ Round 1 victory. Although she didn’t see much of the football, with one disposal and two tackles, Randall continued to show her strength through solid defence.
Phoebe McWilliams – Geelong
McWilliams proved why she is completing her fourth year of AFLW, putting up a strong performance in Geelong’s 16-point loss to Fremantle. McWilliams had six disposals, four kicks and two handballs in the defeat.
