Here’s everything you need to know about new Dog, Lou Stephenson
Name: Lou Stephenson
Position: Forward
DOB: 9 July, 1995 (29)
Previous club(s): GWS Giants, Hawthorn
Junior club(s): St. Damians (Vic)/ Melbourne University (VFLW)
Draft: Priority signing, 2016
Debut: R5, 2017 v Melbourne
Games: 50*
Lou Stephenson joins the Dogs to continue her already successful career in the AFLW.
Originally drafted by the Giants in 2016, Stephenson would go on to play 33 games in the Orange before joining the Hawks ahead of their inaugural season in 2022.
She would have an immediate impact, elected to their leadership group and playing an important role in the backline.
Showcasing her versatility as a player, the 29-year-old was thrown into a new role in 2024 shifting forward to kick five goals and bring plenty of pressure to the Hawks’ high-scoring forward line.
Stephenson played in her 50th career game in Hawthorn’s heartbreaking Semi-Final loss to Port Adelaide.
An elite runner with great game sense, Stephenson is set to bring experience and ferocity to the Dogs in 2025.
What Dan Fisher said?
“Lou’s work rate and ability to compete aerially impressed us this season,” Fisher said.
“Her experience and leadership will be invaluable to our young forward group.
"She’s played more of her AFLW footy as a key back, so offers a bit of flexibility, but it’s that forward role we see her moving into.
“She’s a high-quality person who will fit in seamlessly with our players and staff.”
