Hawthorn has been officially granted an AFLW licence and will enter the competition at the end of 2022.
Hawks president Jeff Kennett said it was “discrimination” that his side had to wait to be granted a women’s team, after the club chose not to apply for a licence before the 2017 season.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan revealed he considered playing a prank on Kennett when he called to inform him that Hawthorn will get an AFLW side.
“I actually planned on ringing him (Kennett) and telling him he missed out (on an AFLW licence),” McLachlan said.
“That was my intention going into the call.
“I was so exhausted listening to him banging on about everything else … that was my plan.
“I said, ‘Listen, I’d planned on telling you this, but you’ve exhausted me. Congratulations’.
“The reality is that Hawthorn were a team that didn’t bid and didn’t want a licence some years ago – they’re absolutely committed and were well prepared in their bid.
“They’re ready as anyone and clearly – like all clubs – deserved it and I’m pleased for him that they’ve got a licence for next year.”
Hawthorn, Essendon, Port Adelaide and Sydney will be included in an 18-team AFLW competition in the 2022/2023 season.