Hawthorn Football Club Announce Bid For AFLW Licence

Hawthorn Football Club have officially launched their bid for an AFLW licence, which if successful would see the club join the league for the 2022 season.

Hawthorn is one of four clubs seeking to join the league with Sydney already announcing their bid as well as Essendon and Port Adelaide looking to secure placement in the league.

Hawthorn tried to secure a place in the league in 2018 but were unsuccessful.

On the bid, Hawthorn general manager of operations and major projects, Josh Vanderloo, said: “Our vision is to be a successful, sustainable and socially inclusive football club that is equally focused on both our men’s and women’s programs.”

“Despite previous attempts to join the competition being unsuccessful, our commitment to women’s football has not wavered – in fact, it has only grown.

“An entry into the AFLW would make our Hawthorn family whole.

“There’s a lot of people already working on our women’s program who are really passionate about women’s football who have had great experience with it through that time.

“Hawthorn is committed to continuing to build a women’s football program that is sustainable and successful for the long-term.

“Our submission outlines the contribution the club has made to furthering women’s football thus far,” he said.

The four clubs expect to be informed of the decision in early August when the AFL meets for a commission meeting.