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Hawthorn returns to Bass Coast with double-header event, strengthening community and women's sport initiatives

Hawthorn returns to Bass Coast on 27 April 2025 for a VFL/VFLW double-header in Wonthaggi. AFLW captain Emily Bates kicked off celebrations, highlighting the club's partnership supporting women's sport and regional football.

By news@gippsland - 28th March 2025 - Back to News

The Hawks are heading back to Bass Coast next month, and to kick things off, star midfielder Emily Bates was in town today to celebrate another year of this exciting partnership. Emily visited the iconic Kilcunda Trestle Bridge, taking the 2024 McClelland Trophy on tour.

2024 McClelland Trophy, Emily Bates is one of the most decorated athletes in AFLW history. In 2024, she became the captain of Hawthorn, inspiring the next generation of footballers

Hawks return to Wonthaggi

Hawthorn secured the McClelland Trophy last year as the best-performing club across both the AFL and AFLW seasons. This prestigious award, which factors in home-and-away wins in both competitions, reflects the club's dominance on the field.

A premiership player with Brisbane, Bates is one of the most decorated athletes in AFLW history, having won the league best and fairest, AFL Coaches Association AFLW Champion Player of the Year, and AFL Players Association AFLW Most Valuable Player awards in Season 6 - making her the first AFLW player to claim all three end-of-season honours. She took on the role of Hawthorn captain in 2024 and continues to inspire the next generation of footballers.

AFLW Captain Emily Bates said the VFLW players are excited to return to Wonthaggi: "It's great to be back in Bass Coast. Our VFLW side loves coming to Wonthaggi, where there is always a big crowd and a fantastic ground to play on. The community here is so passionate about footy, I'm sure they can't wait to put on a great show."

Elite football returns

The double header match returns to Wonthaggi on Sunday, 27 April 2025, bringing elite-level football to the region, putting Wonthaggi on the sporting map. Just last month, Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve secured $250,000 in funding from the Victorian government's Country Football and Netball Program, reinforcing the importance of regional sporting facilities like this one.

The event also provides a unique opportunity for young footy fans to see both VFL and VFLW teams compete on the same day and at the same venue - cementing fair access in sport from an early age.

Box Hill Hawks return

Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead welcomed the return of the event, highlighting the boost to local tourism, "The Box Hill Hawks double-header is becoming a key feature of our events calendar, bringing thousands of football fans to Wonthaggi, especially during the ANZAC Day long weekend. We're proud to continue leading the way in fair access, ensuring women's and men's football share the spotlight."

The VFL match featuring Hawthorn affiliate Box Hill Hawks versus Port Melbourne starts at 11.05am. The VFLW match, Box Hill Hawks versus Port Melbourne starts at 2.35pm. Entry is free, and gates open at 10.30am.

For the kids, there will be halftime Auskick games, player photo signings, and a Wonthaggi Power canteen serving refreshments. Kids who aren't part of a local club are still welcome to join in the Auskick fun on the day!

Star midfielder Emily Bates visited the iconic Kilcunda Trestle Bridge, taking the 2024 McClelland Trophy on tour and showing it to Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead

Strengthening women's sport

Bass Coast Shire Council entered a partnership with Hawthorn Football Club & Box Hill Hawks in 2022, and in its third year, the collaboration continues to strengthen. The partnership is focused on growing women's sport, promoting gender equality, and increasing regional sporting opportunities across south-east Victoria.

Beyond the game, the partnership has delivered coaching clinics focused on women and girls and initiatives supporting teenage girls to continue in the sport. It also aligns with Bass Coast Shire Council's Fair Access Policy and Action Plan, ensuring local sports facilities remain inclusive and accessible for all. To learn more go to Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com