Hawthorn’s VFLW team has reignited its season with a 33-point win over the Southern Saints at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday afternoon.
As expected, it was a fierce clash between the Hawks and the Saints, with both teams determined to get their fourth win of the season.
In what seemed to be an even first half on the scoreboard, the hosts were ultimately more polished in most areas.
Read: Five talking points - Hawthorn v Adelaide
Neither team was able to control possession and find their targets in the opening term. The defensive pressure from the Saints was a challenge, but it was Emily Gilder who converted first and only goal for the quarter to get the hosts in front. Club debutant Sarah McNamara found plenty of the ball and applied crucial pressure on the opposition.
The wet conditions made for a slippery and muddy surface early in the second quarter. There were strong efforts from both sides, but it was a quick finish for the hosts who gained some late momentum. A free kick to Sarah Perkins led to a goal, which was quickly followed by another major from Gilder as she slotted her second. The Hawks were able to deny the Saints of any goals, with impressive performances from defenders Ebony Nixon, Jayde Van Dyk and Pepa Randall. This was enough for the Hawks to lead by 19-points at half time.
The Saints were off to a pacing start early in the third term, as Kate Macqueen kicked the first and only goal for the opposition side. Melissa Kuys and Rebecca Beeson were impressive in the midfield to shut down the Saints, as they capitalised on momentum and delivered the ball efficiently. Eventually, it was a clean handball from Samara David to Vice Captain Tamara Luke, who booted the Hawks’ only goal for the quarter, to keep the lead at 15 points at the final break.
The Saints were determined not to go down without a fight in the last quarter, and made attempts to push the ball into their forward line. Collaborative effort from the Hawks defence was essential in deterring the forward pressure from the Saints, who were unable to impact the scoreboard. Meg Hutchins converted another for the Hawks, before a finishing goal from Olivia Flanagan sealed the result 6.9(45) to 1.6(12).
It was an important win for the Hawks, who were looking to steady themselves after a loss to Collingwood in Round 5, and secure a top-four position on the ladder.
The Hawks will take on traditional club rivals Essendon for another VFL double-header, on Sunday the 24th of June at 11:45am at Box Hill City Oval.
HAWTHORN 1.0 3.3 4.3 6.9 (45)
SAINTS 0.2 0.2 1.6 1.6 (12)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Gilder (2), Perkins, Luke, Hutchins, Flanagan
Saints: Macqueen
BEST
Hawthorn: Kuys, Van Dyk, Beeson, Randall, Luke, Nixon
Saints: Walker, Olsen, Watt, Macdonald, Allsopp, Brown
