Hawthorn Captain Emily Bates to Miss Season After ACL Injury

Hawthorn captain Emily Bates will miss the remainder of the AFLW season after scans confirmed she ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee during a win over the Western Bulldogs. The three-time All-Australian sustained the injury in a tackle, dealing a severe blow to the club’s premiership ambitions.

Captain’s Season Ends as Scans Confirm ACL Tear

Hawthorn’s quest for a maiden AFLW premiership has suffered a major setback. Three-time All-Australian Emily Bates will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury during the team’s victory over the Western Bulldogs.

The 30-year-old club captain tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee when her leg twisted awkwardly and got caught under her in a tackle late in the third quarter. Scans subsequently confirmed the tear alongside damage to her meniscus, and she will undergo surgery. Bates previously played her 100th game for the Hawks against Adelaide.

“This is clearly disappointing news for Emily,” Hawks AFLW general manager Keegan Brooksby said.

The playing group and wider club will support her through the recovery journey.

We have no doubt she’ll approach her rehab with the diligence and professionalism she’s always been known for.

“Although Emily won’t return to the field in 2026, she will continue to play an important off-field role in our program, as our captain.”

Keegan Brooksby, Hawks AFLW general manager

Victory Overshadowed at the Kennedy Community Centre

Hawthorn has won its first game at its new home in Dingley, but it came at a cost with star midfielder Emily Bates suffering what appears to be a serious knee injury. Bates immediately clutched at her leg late in the third quarter after her leg got stuck under her in a tackle, and she was stretchered off the ground by medical staff. Before the incident, the Hawks put their foot on the gas in the third term, piling on five goals to zero to lay the platform for an important 11-point victory.

Hawthorn Captain Emily Bates to Miss Season After ACL Injury — Photo: afl.com.au

Irish forward Aine McDonagh was the star of the show, booting a career-high four goals and leading the way in the 6.5 (41) to 4.6 (30) win. McDonagh, who has jumped ahead of the rest of the competition in the leading goalkicker race, was a force to be reckoned with in the front half, providing a target in the air while causing plenty of headaches at ground level. McDonagh has now booted three or more goals in every game she’s played this season and is well and truly on her way towards another All-Australian blazer.

Hawthorn ruck Lucy Wales continued her dominant start to the 2026 season with 22 disposals, causing Bulldogs ruck Alice Edmonds some issues around the ground, while midfield maestro Eliza West was as busy as always with a team-high 24 touches. West’s efforts as vice-captain were crucial in the absence of Bates, leading the way in the centre of the ground and around the coalface. Fifty-gamer Tamara Smith was at her reliable best in defence with 20 touches, while Jasmine Fleming provided plenty of speed around the contest with 19 disposals.

Midfield Depth Tested Ahead of North Melbourne Clash

The Hawks have a win-loss record of 3-2 as it stands, but will now have to embark on a challenging period without their captain and star midfielder. Hawthorn faces a huge test against AFLW juggernaut North Melbourne in Cairns on Friday night without Bates and Laura Stone (concussion). Fellow midfielder Daisy Flockart also has to prove her fitness after suffering a knock to her chest against the Bulldogs.

“We’ve been playing different players through [the midfield] and trying to build some versatility in our side … we’re confident in the players we’ll have in there,” Hawks coach Daniel Webster said post-match on Saturday.

It’ll be a good challenge next week with who we’re playing.

“We’ll probably have some sort of different look in there with different players and that’s OK. We’ll keep getting to work.”

Daniel Webster, Hawthorn coach

Rebuilding the On-Ball Brigade Without the Skipper

With Bates undergoing surgery and subsequent rehabilitation alongside her off-field leadership duties, the immediate test of Hawthorn’s list versatility arrives under the Friday night lights in Cairns against North Melbourne. The playing group and wider club stand ready to support her return to the program in her capacity as captain for the remainder of the 2026 season.