Guess who: Hawthorn finishes the pre-signing haul.

Three new rising talents have joined Hawthorn as part of the AFLW Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period.

Your newest Hawks are Laura Stone, Jess Vukic, and Hayley McLaughlin!

Items from Eastern Ranges The Hawks had the opportunity to select Laura Stone, Jess Vukic, and Hayley McLaughlin before the draft, so the dynamic trio can now join the team ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 campaign.

In his 11 midfield and wide-ranging half-back appearances this season, Stone averaged 20.5 disposals, 6.2 tackles, and 5.1 inside 50s. He was a dominant player for the Ranges.

She demonstrated her adaptability and leadership throughout her 2023 campaign when she was named captain of the Coates Talent League Girls Team of the Year at half-back by the end of the season.

Stone averaged 20.5 disposals (9.5 contested) and 3.5 tackles this season while playing for Vic Metro, earning a spot on the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Girls All Australian team on the half-back flank.

After leading the Eastern Ranges to victory in the Coates Talent League Girls, Vukic joins the Hawks as the team’s most potent ruckman.

Additionally, in 2023, the 18-year-old played for Box Hill twice, averaging 15 hit-outs and 9 disposals.

The talented forward/ruck was a product of the AFLW Academy and competed for Vic Metro in the 2022 and 2023 U18 National Championships.

McLaughlin featured in 15 games for the Eastern Ranges this season, averaging 19.1 disposals, 3.8 marks and 3.3 tackles.

The talented winger then went on to make her VFLW debut with Box Hill at just 17 years old, averaging 9.5 disposals and two tackles in her two appearances.

She also earned Vic Metro selection and was ranked among the team’s best players in their 16-point win over Vic Country.

Hawthorn AFLW List Manager Mitchell Cashion was delighted at the conclusion of the Pre-Signing Period.

“We are excited to welcome Laura, Jess and Hayley to Hawthorn,” Cashion said.

“Having utilised our strong connection with the Eastern Ranges, these three players now have a direct route to the Hawks, which is an amazing opportunity for them.

“This is also a fantastic opportunity for the club, with three players with first-round draft potential now joining the brown and gold.

“In Laura, we’re getting someone who has had an outstanding junior career and possesses incredible speed, smarts and competitive drive.

“With Jess, we boost our ruck and forward stocks with someone who has impressive strength, ferocity and a willingness to compete.

In the interim, Hayley is a very promising young player who will give us some extra outside run and ball handling ability on the wing.

“Laura, Jess, and Hayley are significant contributors to our football team’s future, and we’re excited to watch what they accomplish on the track this coming season and beyond.”

Hawthorn now focuses on the AFLW Trade Period, which takes place on Thursday, December 7 and ends on December 14.

The 2023 AFLW Draft is scheduled for Monday, December 18, after that.