Hawthorn officially launched its Victorian Wheelchair Football League season on Friday.

The entire club gathered to welcome the new campaign as the Hawks side looks to take the next step following a semi final berth last season.

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves, VWFL Coach Jack Frost and Tom Mitchell and spoke at the launch before the squad was presented with their playing jumpers.

Joanna Argaet has also been announced as captain of the side after being voted in by her teammates. 

Frost said Argaet was a popular choice to lead the side into the 2021 season.

"I think it's great recognition of her amazing leadership qualities and the effort she has put in to become a consistent top performer on and off the field."

The Hawks then took to the field on Sunday to take on reigning premiers St Kilda in a re-match of last year's semi final.

Sadly the Saints again got the better of the brown and gold, prevailing by 12 points. 

The Hawks led for the majority of the day but were overtaken by the Saints as the strength of their side shone through. 

There were a number of positives to take from the game for the Hawks though, with the club blooding three debutants on the day.

Number one draft pick Gerard McCarthy made his first appearance in the brown and gold, playing in the backline whilst wearing the number six just like his beloved idol James Sicily.

It was a wonderful moment for McCarthy who has been a lifelong Hawks fan. 

Hawk Jaylen Brown was awarded the Silk Miller Award for best afield as the sides battled it our for the Blue Ribbon Cup. 

Flying in from Tasmania especially for the game, Trent Johnson was also on debut whilst Matt Ingram, who has a background in wheelchair tennis and wheelchair rugby, rounded out the Hawks trio of newbies. 

Despite the loss, star Hawk Jaylen Brown was honoured with the Silk-Miller Award after being judged best afield as the side's vied for the Blue Ribbon Cup.

Coach Jack Frost commended Brown on his efforts following the match.

"It was a well deserved award as he played a vital part in being so competitive," Frost said.

Frost also had this to say about the game:

"With players from all over the state and country, it was an amazing start to the 2021 season for the Hawks VWFL team.

"Everyone played a vital role in what was a game filled with excitement and talent! 

"Unfortunately, the Saints ran away with it in the end but I couldn't be more proud of the group and their efforts. 

"It was wonderful to see the group gel so well and team cohesion was definitely a stand-out feature of the game.

"The game was played in great spirits and everyone had an absolute blast!"