The Sky Blues announced on Thursday that 10 players had re-signed for the 2020/21 season, including Figtree's Hawkesby. She is joined by the likes of captain Teresa Polias, 2019/20 W-League Golden Boot winner Remy Siemsen and experienced defender Ellie Brush.

Hawkesby played eight games in her debut W-League season, including Sydney FC's 1-0 loss to minor premiers Melbourne City.

After that defeat, the 20-year-old said "we want to go that step further" next season.

"It's obviously not easy to not win the grand final. [But] we've got a burning desire and I think with the squad we've got, it's looking good this season," Hawkesby said.

"I'm just really thankful that Sydney FC have given me another opportunity. I love the club and I love Sydney FC, so I'm super excited to be back.

"We're like a family at Sydney. The core group of 10 girls are such good players and such good people. It's great to have all those players back, it's a tight knit group."

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For Hawkesby, the 2020/21 season will present her with an opportunity to continue to build after getting her first taste of W-League action.

The midfielder said she would continue to work hard and her number one goal was being in Sydney FC's starting side.

"Last year was a breakout season for me and it was a no brainer to go back to Sydney FC," she said.

"I'm just trying to build on that. I want to keep working hard. We've got a really good squad, but I want to try and get more game time, build on my performances and eventually become a starter."