Hawthorn’s VFLW side faces its biggest challenge yet on Sunday morning when it hosts top-of-the-table Essendon at Box Hill City Oval.
The Hawks last met the Bombers in April 2021 in what was a tight tussle, with Essendon getting the 14-point win.
Returning for this weekend’s clash are defenders Nadia von Bertouch and Kristen Hay, alongside young guns Jade Hutchinson and Olivia Meagher.
Hay and von Bertouch will provide some stability in the backline with the latter boasting averages of 12.8 disposals and 4.4 marks.
Meagher looks set to trouble Essendon’s midfield brigade with her aggression and elite ball-winning ability.
In the forward line, Kristy Stratton and Jessie Williams each kicked four goals against Port Melbourne last round and will be looking to back up their efforts come 9.30 am on Sunday.
Check out the full team below.
B: 6. K. Hay, 28. N. von Bertouch
HB: 5. E. Humphries, 11. J. Richardson, 27. E. McLinden
C: 42. T. Meyer, 32. J. Mifsud, 17. K. Cox
HF: 4. N. Garner, 15. C. Granville, 41. K. Stratton
F: 20. J. Williams, 22. T. Luke
R: 29. S. Perrott, 3. I. Porter, 14. G. McRae
INT: 31. A. Holmes, 7. I. Khoury, 9. A. Kemp, 36. O. Meagher, 26. J. Hutchinson
EMG: 19. L. Camilleri, 24. S. Bolding, 45. S. Humm
In: Jade Hutchinson, Kristen Hay, Olivia Meagher, Nadia von Bertouch
Out: Eliza Shannon, Tegan Cunningham, Leesa Guastella (injured), Jess Trend (injured)
