Ashmore set for 75-match milestone

Much-loved Hawk Kaitlyn Ashmore is set to play her 75th AFLW match on Sunday when her team faces off against Fremantle at Fremantle Oval from 2.05pm AWST / 5.05pm AEDT.

The 32-year-old is an inaugural AFLW player, having been drafted by Brisbane in 2016.

She would go on to play 16 games for the Lions before being traded to North Melbourne in 2019.

In her 33 matches with the Kangaroos, Ashmore won their goalkicking in 2020 and became the first AFLW player to win 25 games.

Since arriving at the Hawks ahead of their inaugural season in 2022, the speedy winger has been a key pillar in the team’s growth over the past two years.

On Sunday, she will become the second Hawk to reach 75 AFLW games after Captain Emily Bates achieved the milestone in the brown and gold last year.

Ashmore will also become the second Indigenous player to reach the milestone league-wide, with the Dja Dja Wurrung woman following in the footsteps of Brisbane’s Ally Anderson.

Ashmore’s legacy extends far beyond the AFLW though.

Before the league was established in 2017, she was a regular feature in the women’s exhibition matches, playing for Melbourne in 2013 and 2014 before crossing to the Western Bulldogs in 2015 to play in the first-ever women’s AFL game to be televised.

The proud Ballarat product also has an athletics background.

Speaking to the media on Friday morning, Ashmore said she was excited to reach the special milestone.

“It doesn’t feel real to be honest,” she said.

“The last eight seasons have gone so quick.

“I remember my first game when I played for Brisbane and I think about how far women’s footy has come in such a short time, it’s incredible.

“I’m really grateful to be still playing.”

Hawthorn fans in Western Australia can watch Ashmore run out for her 75th game from 2.05pm AWST/ 5.05pm AEDT at Fremantle Oval.

For those wanting to follow along at home, the match will be broadcast on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports. \

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