The strength of Hawthorn VFLW's program continued to shine at Tuesday night's AFLW draft with three Hawks finding new homes at the elite level.
Ashanti Bush was the first Hawthorn name to be read aloud, with the Gold Coast Suns selecting her with Pick 8.
Hailing from Beswick, a small Indigenous community about 80km from Katherine in the Northern Territory, Bush enjoyed a short stint with Hawthorn in the VFLW this year, playing a handful of matches late in the season.
The 18-year-old found her feet as a dangerous forward for the Hawks.
From the Next Generation Academy, Bush was selected in the 2021 NAB AFLW Academy Squad, with coaches labelling her as “highly talented”.
The Hawks didn't have to wait long to hear the next of their alumni called out, with Carlton claiming Keeley Sherar at Pick 11.
Known for her athleticism and blistering turn of pace, Sherar was a crucial part of the Eastern Ranges midfield with her impressive ball winning around the ground and work around stoppages.
She was played largely on the half-forward flank during the NAB AFLW U19 Championships with Vic Metro.
After the Eastern Ranges bowed out in the preliminary final, the 17-year-old went on to represent Hawthorn in the VFLW for their final four matches of the season.
The good news kept coming as the draft moved into the second round with Eloise Chaston joining Collingwood at Pick 32.
Also splitting her time between the Ranges and the Hawks, Chaston showed her wares across six games in the brown and gold.
Standing at 169cm, the 19-year-old made the most of every opportunity she had this year.
Hawthorn GM - VFL and VFLW Football Dan Napoli said the club was ecstatic to see some of its players achieve their AFLW dreams.
"Ultimately our program strives to get the best out of our players and help them reach the highest level that they can," Napoli said.
"It was extremely exciting to see three of our girls' names read out at the draft.
"Ashanti, Keeley and Eloise are all extremely deserving of their opportunities and, on behalf of Hawthorn, we'd like to wish them all the best in the next chapters of their careers."
