Hawthorn set to enter VFL women’s league under affiliate Box Hill in 2017

HAWTHORN will field a team in the VFL women’s competition next year under affiliate Box Hill as it takes its first steps towards a push into AFLW.

HAWTHORN will field a team in the VFL women’s competition next year as it takes its first steps towards a push into AFLW.

Confirming its commitment to women’s football, the club’s women’s team will compete under the banner of the Box Hill Hawks.

While Hawthorn opted not to lodge an application for an AFL women’s team for 2017, chief executive Stuart Fox said this was the next step in furthering the club’s women’s strategy.

INAUGURAL LEAGUE: EVERY PICK FROM THE AFL WOMEN’S DRAFT

LIST BUILD: PIES TARGET STRONG BALL USERS, DECISION MAKERS

“Hawthorn is firmly committed to the development of women’s football, in particular ensuring an impact at grassroots level,’’ Fox said.

“(This VFL women’s team) will allow female footballers in the eastern region a terrific pathway for their development and hopefully encourage females to play football from a junior age.’’

Patrick Hill has been appointed the inaugural senior coach of the women’s VFL side.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson with prospective Box Hill players Ebony Nixon, Bronte Bilston-Gorley and Adriana Piva. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Hill was a senior assistant of the Box Hill Hawks’ senior side from 2012-2014, where he was a part of two grand final appearances and one premiership. He has been senior coach at Frankston the past two years.

The Hawks will host a talent identification day at Waverley Park on Saturday November 26 for their new women’s team.

Hawthorn becomes the second AFL club to announce an affiliate VFL Women’s side following Geelong’s announcement last month.