Hawthorn VFLW Coach Cherie O’Neill says she is proud of her groups’ versatility and effort shown in the first half of the season.
The girls are set to take on Williamstown this Saturday fresh off a bye.
Prior to that, the brown and gold were riding the momentum of a six in-a-row winning streak.
With six games remaining in the home-and-away season prior to finals, the first-year coach said she was impressed by her team’s ability to keep improving every game.
“I’m really proud of the team – each week I challenge them to keep driving and playing our style of footy, which is proving more and more each week,” O’Neill said.
“We’ve got more versatility, we’re trying players in different positions which is fantastic.”
O’Neill said she was particularly proud of her side’s ability to demonstrate reliance and get the win despite on a couple of occasions being met with fightbacks from opposition.
“Mindset’s a real big one I think in women’s football,” O’Neill said.
“After they kicked that first goal in the last quarter (against the Saints) it could’ve gone either way, so I’m really impressed with the girls and how they turned that around.
“They really took it upon themselves to drive that last quarter – I couldn’t have asked for more.”
The side has won both of its two home games this year at Box City Oval, which O’Neill said was another pleasing aspect.
“The girls love it here,” she said.
“It’s got that homely feel about it, but I think again that versatility aspect, these girls will bring that attitude whatever venue you go to.
“They’re just an awesome group – the coaches and support staff can’t speak highly enough, it’s fantastic.”
O’Neill said the focus now coming back from the break would be to continue to build on what was already in place.
“I still think we can grow and develop more in that area and just really focus on the fundamentals and getting the small things right,” she said.
The Hawks currently sit in third place on the ladder on a 7-1 record, behind Casey Demons and Essendon.
Hawthorn will meet the Williamstown Seagulls for the first time this year on Saturday at Williamstown Oval at 2pm.
FIXTURE
Round 9
Saturday April 23, 2.00pm
vs Williamstown
Round 10
Sunday May 1, 11.35am
vs Casey Demons
Round 11
Sunday May 8, 2.00pm
vs Port Melbourne
Round 12
Sunday May 15, 11.30am
vs Essendon
Round 13
Saturday May 21, TBC
vs Darebin
Round 14
Saturday May 28, TBC
vs Williamstown
