Grace Baba becomes first AFLW player suspended before making league debut after striking charge

Hawthorn’s Grace Baba has made history by becoming the first AFLW player to be suspended before making her official debut.

Baba, who was selected by the Hawks in last year’s draft, was handed a one-match suspension for striking Richmond’s Laura McClelland in Sunday’s practice match.

The incident occurred off the ball as Baba and McClelland grappled for position deep inside Hawthorn’s forward line.

Footage from behind the Hawks’ goals appeared to show Baba striking McClelland in the stomach with her right hand, with the blow dropping McClelland to her knees.

The match review officer graded the action a strike with intentional conduct, medium impact and body contact.

Baba’s suspension means she will be ineligible for selection in Hawthorn’s round one clash against Brisbane at Springfield Central Stadium in Ipswich on August 17.

Baba’s strike was the one sour note to come out of an impressive 37-point win over the Tigers for the Hawks in their final practice match before the season gets underway.

Hawks skipper Emily Bates (23 disposals and seven inside 50s) was dominant alongside Tilly Lucas-Rodd (19 disposals).

Last year’s leading goal kicker, Aine McDonagh, was on song again, leading the Hawks with three goals, while Greta Bodey added two majors.