The Hawks are heading back to Bass Coast next month, and to kick things off, star midfielder Emily Bates was in town today to celebrate another year of this exciting partnership. Emily visited the iconic Kilcunda Trestle Bridge, taking the 2024 McClelland Trophy on tour.
Hawthorn secured the McClelland Trophy last year as the best-performing club across both the AFL and AFLW seasons. This prestigious award, which factors in home-and-away wins in both competitions, reflects the club's dominance on the field.
A premiership player with Brisbane, Bates is one of the most decorated athletes in AFLW history, having won the league best and fairest, AFL Coaches Association AFLW Champion Player of the Year, and AFL Players Association AFLW Most Valuable Player awards in Season 6-making her the first AFLW player to claim all three end-of-season honours. She took on the role of Hawthorn captain in 2024 and continues to inspire the next generation of footballers.
AFLW Captain Emily Bates said the VFLW players are excited to return to Wonthaggi: "It's great to be back in Bass Coast. Our VFLW side love coming to Wonthaggi, where there is always a big crowd and a fantastic ground to play on. The community here is so passionate about footy, I'm sure they can't wait to put on a great show."
