Saints sharp-shooter Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw is looking forward to being "truly who I am out on the field" this AFLW season after further embracing her Māori heritage by using her birth name.
The 26-year-old forward, entering her ninth season, formerly played as Jesse Wardlaw before the decision to make the name change and adopt a "meaningful acknowledgment of my Māori culture and identity".
Tawhiao-Wardlaw also penned a one-year extension with St Kilda through to the end of 2027.
"I've been thinking about it for a couple of seasons now. I just want to be known for my true identity, and very proud to run out on the field with Tawhiao... the name itself has so much history and very significant for my family and my culture," she told Saints media.
"It does feel like it can give me an extra bit of strength and a boost out on the field, so I'm really excited to just be truly who I am out on the field."
Born in Aotearoa / New Zealand, Tawhiao-Wardlaw moved to Brisbane early in her childhood.
She played 49 games with the Lions, drafted to the club ahead of the 2019 season, lifting a premiership in Queensland in 2019 before before a shirt to St Kilda in 2023.
She's been the Saints leading goalkicker in back-to-back seasons, helping them to a maiden finals berth in 2025.
Tawhiao-Wardlaw told AFL journalist Sarah Black her initial decision to play without her full surname was a decision made at 18 trying to avoid any confusion or mispronunciations.
At 26, she's keen to identify as who she truly is.
"My mum is Māori and my dad is Pākehā, which is white New Zealander. I moved to Australia when I was pretty young, but I go back to New Zealand two or three times a year because all my family is there," she said.
Tawhiao-Wardlaw added: "I speak a few words here and there. I'd love to pick up Te Reo Māori (fully) one day. The language is so helpful to stay connected and incorporating it in my day-to-day life with friends or other people who know Te Reo Māori, it really helps."
On re-signing, she said: "It's a great feeling to sign on with the club, which includes stepping into this next chapter fully as myself."
The Saints are also rapt to have re-signed a key cog to their recent success.
"A much loved member of the group, Jesse's leadership, drive, skill and character are all qualities we value highly at St Kilda," club AFLW general manager Jessie Mulholland said.
"We can't wait to see what she brings to the group this season."
