A new recruit to AFL premiers Hawthorn has been convicted of secretly filming women engaged in sex acts.

Zac Webster, from Tasmania, was this year elevated to the club's senior list after a consistent season in the VFL last year.

The 19-year-old began preseason training just days after being convicted in Hobart's Magistrates Court for making explicit sex tapes of women without their knowledge.

In late October he was ordered to pay a fine and perform 140 hours' community service.

The court was closed to media and an application had to be made to view the court file.

The club said the AFL had been aware of the charges and Hawthorn has imposed a two-match penalty on Webster, to be served in the preseason competition.

He has also had to complete a number of special education sessions, which included a presentation to the Hawthorn playing group on the AFL's Respect and Responsibility policy.

Webster was not on Hawthorn's list when the offences occurred and informed the club after being drafted in 2013.

A spokeswoman for the club said it did not condone Webster's behaviour.

Gender equality expert Professor Catharine Lumby, who has advised National Rugby League officials and players on a number of incidents, said re-education of players in such cases was vital.

"I'm not saying players who do the wrong thing should be never allowed back on the field, but they only be allowed back on the field after it's very well established that they've had counselling and they've changed their attitudes and behaviours and they are prepared to stand up against violence and any kind of assault or harassment of women," she said.

The AFL has spent millions of dollars developing policies and programs for its young stars about appropriate behaviour towards women.

Sorry, this video has expired Hawthorn player convicted of making secret sex tapes ( Edith Bevin )

Its code of conduct includes instant dismissal or delisting for players convicted of a sexual offence.

The offences Webster was convicted of were not sexual offences, but Ms Lumby said high-profile individuals and organisations should take a firm stand against illegal sex recordings.

"This is becoming a growing issue and I think that Australian sport and other organisations need to lead the way and say zero tolerance for this behaviour - it's not OK," she said.

The AFL declined to comment.