HAWTHORN'S commitment to women's football has taken a big step forward with the announcement that the Box Hill Hawks will field a team in the 2017 VFL Women's competition.
The Hawks chose not to enter the bidding for a team in the new AFL Women's competition, which kicks off in February, but this latest development is the start of a pathway for women in the eastern suburbs, where none of the AFL women's teams are located.
"Hawthorn is firmly committed to the development of women’s football, in particular ensuring we make an impact at grassroots level," said Hawthorn chief executive Stuart Fox.
"Today’s announcement 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."
The Hawks have signed Patrick Hill as coach. A long time Box Hill assistant, Hill was senior coach of VFL club Frankston in 2015 and 2016.
Both Hawthorn and Geelong have recently announced affiliate sides in the VFL Women's competition.
The Hawks have said they would consider joining the AFL Women's competition if it expands to include more teams.
It is believed the new administration and training facility Hawthorn is planning to build at Dingley will include facilities for a standalone AFL women's team and could provide a hub for teams in the area.
