Hawthorn AFLW Senior Coach Bec Goddard has urged fans to pack the stands at Kinetic Stadium on Saturday night as the Hawks do battle with the old enemy, Essendon. 

The Frankston community painted the venue brown and gold last season and it paid dividends, as Hawthorn walked away with two wins from its three appearances there. 

Goddard hopes to extend that success into the 2023 season, starting under Saturday night lights.

“What we want to do at Frankston is to really build on the fortress,” she said.

“Women’s sport is measured by the metric of people coming through the gates.

“I know the Hawks fans are going to come out in big numbers this weekend and hopefully we fill that stadium.

“It’s going to be a really great contest and a great opportunity to see women doing their best.”

Not only will the match provide an unmissable spectacle but so too will the venue itself.

“Every time we’re out there, we feel really welcome,” Goddard said.

“The people out at Frankston love the Hawks, we’ve been training out there a few times now.

“It’s a fantastic oval, the deck is in terrific condition, the view’s amazing, the sunset’s elite and I love the view from the coaches box.”

Hawthorn opens its 2023 AFLW season on Saturday night against traditional archrivals Essendon at Kinetic Stadium, Frankston, from 7.15pm.

The Round 1 blockbuster forms one of four Hawthorn home games at the venue, with fans set to pack out the stands for Round 4 against Melbourne, Round 5 against Brisbane and Round 9 against Port Adelaide as well. 

Tickets are still available here while a membership is the best way to secure your spot for Round 1 and beyond.

Hear more from Bec Goddard below.