Hawthorn has welcomed Najwa Allen from the Adelaide Crows after agreeing to a four-way deal on day six of the AFLW Trade Period.

In securing Allen, the club will also farewell inaugural player Louise Stephenson, who will head to the Western Bulldogs as part of the multi-club deal.

Allen joins the Hawks as an experienced premiership defender following five seasons and 45 games with Adelaide, which includes the grand final win in 2022 (Season 6).

Despite her 2024 campaign being interrupted by injury, the 30-year-old is a proven player at the highest level, with the ability to play across a variety of positions. 

Allen claimed the 2019 SANFLW best and fairest with Norwood prior to being drafted to the Crows with pick 37 in the 2019 AFLW draft. 

Stephenson departs the club as an inaugural Hawk, after playing 17 games for the brown and gold across three seasons.

Hawthorn AFLW List Manager Keegan Brooksby said the club was excited to welcome Allen to the brown and gold, while also thanking Stephenson for her service.

“We’re delighted to welcome Najwa to the Hawks after she nominated our club as her ideal destination for the next phase of her career,” Brooksby said. 

“With six seasons of AFLW under her belt, Najwa is an experienced premiership player, who will no doubt add immensely to our side both on and off the field with her competitiveness and leadership.

“We also thank Lou for her time with Hawthorn, as an inaugural Hawk and leadership group member, she’ll always be part of the Hawks family. We wish her all the best for what comes next.”