Hawthorn AFLW captain Emily Bates sidelined for rest of season with sternoclavicular injury.

Hawthorn AFLW captain Emily Bates will miss the rest of the regular season after sustaining a sternoclavicular joint injury during a September 25 match against Geelong. The 29-year-old midfielder, a three-time All-Australian and 2022 best-and-fairest winner, was injured late in the fourth quarter while contesting a ground ball. Scans confirmed the injury, ruling her out of Thursday’s game against Fremantle and leaving her return timeline uncertain. The club is evaluating treatment options, with updates expected soon. Her absence is a major blow to Hawthorn, who remain in third place with a 6-1 record and face a favorable final stretch, including only North Melbourne and Essendon among top-eight opponents.