Hawthorn’s VFLW side has made history, as the Hawks claimed their first victory with a 39-point win over Essendon at Windy Hill. 

It was a beautiful day for footy, only made better by a four-quarter performance over our traditional club rivals away from home. 

The Hawks were off to a strong start and it didn’t take long for new recruit, Sarah Perkins, to boot an early goal to get us on the scoreboard. She spent the game up forward, and provided a strong marking target inside 50 for the rest of the afternoon. The Hawks backline applied stifling pressure, keeping the Dons goalless at quarter time.

Despite great clearance work through the midfield, the Hawks struggled to find any goals in the second term. It was a tight contest, with both teams unable to get clean possession.  Julia Crockett-Grills and former Pie Meg Hutchins were standouts, providing pivotal pressure through the middle to stop the Dons from pushing forward. 

The third term opened with some quick clearances, which led to efficient delivery into our forward line. Clare O’Donnell, Emily Gilder and Vice-Captain Tamara Luke were able to execute, each kicking important goals to put the Hawks in front by 32 points at three quarter time.

It was a positive start to the final quarter, with Olivia Flanagan and Perkins adding to the scoreboard. The Dons responded with back-to-back goals as they gained some momentum, but it was quickly stopped with a monster goal from Dillon to seal the result 8.12(60) to 3.3(21).

Senior Coach Paddy Hill was pleased with his side for keeping their composure while taking on a tough oponent away from home.

"As the game went on we were able to play a little bit more authentic, a little bit more like the style we wanted to play, and we were able to capitalise," Hill said after the match.

"They had a little bit of a flutter there (in the last quarter) and kicked a couple in a row, but we steadied the ship... and I'm just really relived for the girls to get the four points."

The Hawks continue their 2018 season next Sunday against Casey, at Casey Fields.
 

ESSENDON                 0.0 0.1 1.3 3.3 (21)
HAWTHORN              2.3 2.7 5.11 8.12 (60)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Perkins 2, Hutchins, O’Donnell, Gilder, Luke, Flanagan, Dillon
Essendon: Quigley, Ponter, Moreau 

BEST
Hawthorn: Hutchins, Crockett-Grills, Luke, Carroll, Mackie, Perkins
Essendon: Neaves, Ponter, Moreau