Box Hill Hawks vice-captain Matilda Van Berkel has had her AFLW dream realised after being added to Hawthorn’s list for the 2026 NAB AFLW season.
The 23-year-old defender was signed by the Hawks as an injury replacement player on Friday.
It follows a stellar 12 months for Van Berkel, who took out Box Hill’s best and fairest in 2025 and was named at centre half back in the VFLW Team of the Year.
She represented the Smithy’s VFLW State Team earlier this year, where she was among the team’s better players in a close defeat to the SANFLW at Glenelg’s Stratarama Stadium during the AFL’s Gather Round.
Van Berkel has played 47 VFLW games for the Hawks across the past four seasons, including five games in 2026 where she has averaged 19 disposals at 66 percent efficiency, along with four marks and four rebound 50s.
Her strong form was recognised by the competition’s coaches, currently sitting in equal sixth place in the VFLW Coaches MVP Award, having polled 23 votes.
Hawthorn General Manager of AFLW Keegan Brooksby said Van Berkel had worked hard for her opportunity at AFLW level.
“Matilda is someone we know well through our strong Box Hill alignment and as a train on player in our program. She has consistently developed her game and has emerged as a player we believe can have a strong impact to our environment for the 2026 season,” Brooksby told Hawthornfc.com.au
“Matilda is a reliable defender, with strong hands and a tenacious approach around the ground, we look forward to seeing her bring those skills to our program and further develop at AFLW level.”
Van Berkel’s becomes the third VFLW players elevated to an AFLW list across the past month.
Box Hill Hawks’ teammate Paige Price was signed by the Gold Coast Suns, while North Melbourne Werribee midfielder Abby Favell was promoted by the Kangaroos.