Ashmore 'technically a test' for Hawks after scans ahead of semi with Blues

Jarred Cross Published November 11, 2025 at 5.30pm (AWST)

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Ashmore battled achilles concerns through the final rounds of the home and away season, with signs of calf overload now present. Image: Joel Carrett (AAP).

Hawthorn veteran Kaitlyn Ashmore will test for fitness this week ahead of her club's do-or-die semi final against Carlton.

The Dja Dja Wurrung forward, playing in her sixth finals series - including grand final appearances with Brisbane in 2017 and 2018 - had carried lower leg concerns through the back end of the home and away season, before being benched early with calf soreness during the Hawks' qualifying final loss to North Melbourne on Friday night.

Ashmore has featured in 10 of 13 possible games so far in 2025.

Scans have cleared Ashmore of muscle injury, and is a test for the clash with the Blues.

"Kashy has been playing with some achilles soreness the past few weeks, that progressed down into some calf soreness during the match, we assessed her during the game and functionally, she wasn't able to operate as well as we needed her to so wasn't able to finish the game," Hawthorn high performance manager Aaron Kellett said in an update.

"Technically a test" for this weekend, Kellett added, the scans indicated signs of calf overload.

A number of Hawks are racing the clock for Saturday evening.

Jasmine Fleming, Aine McDonagh - after copping a knee injury mid-match, are also tests.

Skipper Emily Bates is in position to return after undergoing surgery on her SC joint (collarbone and breastbone) for a for this weekend's semi against the Blues if she too pulls through training this week, while concussion has ruled out Emily Everist.

Down from previous levels of potency in 2025, Ashmore looked at stages the Hawks best chances of forward movement in wet conditions and up against it while the minor premiers worked at sealing their fourth consecutive preliminary final appearance.

She played her 75th AFLW game in round six.

Hawthorn were unable to put a major on the board in the match, with a three-goal final term from North sealing a 39-point win.

Brisbane similarly progressed, thanks in large part to a 28 touch, two goal performance from Ally Anderson against Melbiourne.

It was the Lions' first ever finals win against the Dees, now set to host a prelim next week after edging past 56-43.

Melbourne first host Adelaide at IKON park on Saturday afternoon before the Hawks and Blues hit the track later in the evening in a double-header at the ground.