Hawthorn’s AFLW side flies into Cairns looking to lock up a top two spot
Hawthorn’s AFLW side fly into Cairns looking to make their Northern Nest a fortress beginning with Thursday night’s blockbuster against Melbourne to kick off Indigenous Round.
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Hawthorn’s AFLW side fly into Cairns looking to make their Northern Nest a fortress beginning with Thursday night’s blockbuster against Melbourne to kick off Indigenous Round.
The Hawks return to Cazalys Stadium for the second year in a row and the first time after the club signed a three year deal to host one home game a season over the next three years.
Hawthorn sit second and have locked in their first finals series in the AFLW competition.
Hawks midfielder Jasmine Fleming has been of the players who have taken her game to another level.
Fleming said it is off the back of the three years together.
“A lot of the AFL teams talk about the more time you are at a club, the more you develop and I think I am a product of that,” Fleming said.
“I think I have just been able to have some consistent form, I don’t think I have had too much of a breakout.
“But I really do think that is apart of our midfield, we have a really consistent midfield group that know their roles, playing along side Emily Bates, Eliza West and Mettea Breed.
“I am pretty lucky because sometimes I get the pretty disposals but I am very lucky in the role and position I play in the team.”
The Hawks joined the AFLW in 2022, finishing 15th and then 14th in 2023.
Now the Hawks are looking to lock up a spot in the top two.
“When we were drafted, it was about eight weeks to round one, so we didn’t really get to know our teammates to well,” Fleming said.
“Fast-forward two years, we’ve had a big emphasis on the relationships we have with each other, building those friendships.
“And over the last two years we have really seen that start to grow, and this year you are definitely seeing that on the field.”
The 19-year-old had a career best game in the Hawks round three loss to Kuwarna (Adelaide Crows) with 28 disposals.
Fleming said despite having a good game, she took a lot out of it.
“I think I came away with that game with so many learnings, I did come up against probably the best midfield in the comp,” Fleming said.
“Although it might look like I had a good day, they definitely showed us and myself up in a lot of different areas.
“So I think that is what I take away, you play against the best, you learn little tricks and tips and see them do certain things.
“Every game you play you kind of take that on board and see if you can adapt, so I am really excited for the next couple of weeks.”
Fleming is the daughter of former Australian cricketer Damien Fleming and Australian netballer Wendy.
With the choice to choose between AFL and cricket, Fleming said she just loved AFL just a little bit more.
‘I was really lucky with mum and dad, they never pushed one sport on me,” Fleming said.
“They really saw the holistic view of playing as many sports as possible and I think that has probably helped me in the long run.
“But footy and cricket were the main sports I was really trying to pursue and it all comes down to my draft year when I decided to go for footy.
“I think the prospect of the AFLW, 18 teams coming in and the draft was the main thing for me.
“Where with cricket, I knew it was going to be a longer process but I also just loved footy a little bit more I think in the end.
“I am very lucky with the support from my family, they have always backed me in with whatever decision I make.”
Fleming was part of the Hawks loss to the Richmond Tigers in last years Indigenous Round clash at Cazalys Stadium.
The talented midfielder said the Hawks are looking to bounce back and make Cairns their fortress.
“I think the Cairns community has been so welcoming to all of us,” Fleming said.
“Whether it has been the pre-season camps we have had up there or the game, they always get around us, it is awesome.
“And especially for Indigenous Round, it’s such a special round for the club but also for the competition and we are starting it off which is just extra special.”
The Hawthorn and Narrm (Melbourne) clash kicks off at 6:45pm (AEST) on Thursday night.
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