Hawthorn went down to Melbourne in its first AFLW practice match hitout of the year. 

In cold and windy conditions at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon, the Demons proved too strong over the four 20-minute quarters of match simulation. 

Here are five takeaways from the hitout, featuring insights from new recruit Keely Coyne and Hawthorn AFLW Backline Coach Steph Binder. 

1. Bates and West continue to lead the way 

No surprises here. Captain Emily Bates and Vice-Captain Eliza West appeared to pick up where they left off last year, impressing with their work rate in the midfield. Although it was a difficult day for Hawthorn's engine room, they were well complemented by Casey Sherriff who showed positive signs as an onballer. Mikayla Williamson also provided great run across the field in her usual wing position, showing she is set to take the next step in her second year as an AFLW footballer. 

2. Allen and Coyne are great additions to the backline 

New additions Najwa Allen and Keely Coyne showed positive signs in their first brown and gold outings. On managed minutes, premiership player Allen impressed with her composure and leadership. Here's what Backline Coach Binder had to say about Allen's impact:

"Naj came into the backline in the second half and she was amazing. She was a real physical presence and she really set the intent so she looked great when she came in, setting us up behind the ball."

Meanwhile, Coyne's pace and physicality highlighted signs of what's to come from her in 2025. More importantly, the former Bulldog got through unscathed in her first game at the elite level since rupturing her ACL in October 2023 - 652 days ago. Speaking post-game, Coyne was happy to be back out there. 

"It was really good (to get back out there). I think it was almost a relief just getting the first game ticked off. I'm looking forward to the next one."

Binder was also impressed with Coyne in her first game for the Hawks.

"Keely hasn't played footy since 2023, so it was great to see her running around and she was just super physical. She had some great moments and in the last quarter, she was driving us into attack."

3. Smith and Lucas-Rodd pick up where they left off last year 

Speaking of the backline, Tamara Smith and Tilly Lucas-Rodd worked hard in defence to pick up where they left off last year. Smith's physicality was again a key feature of her game, while Lucas-Rodd showed poise under pressure following an impressive 2024 campaign where they earned their first All Australian blazer. 

4. New faces show the future is bright 

Hawthorn had six new faces run out in the brown and gold on Saturday afternoon, including the aforementioned Allen and Coyne. In terms of the draftees, Lavinia Cox, Grace Baba, Daisy Flockart and Elli Symonds all suited up for their first unofficial AFLW games. Binder summed up their performances post-game:

"Grace started behind the ball and then in the last quarter, she moved forward. She was an amazing presence there. She was leaping at the ball and gave us a bit of X-factor."

"El was another good presence. She spent some time in the ruck and up forward and was a nice, big target. She brought her physicality which was great."

"Daisy was a big, physical presence. I think she'll just keep getting better and better with every hitout she has. Good to see her getting her body behind the ball."

"We had Vinny (Lavinia) out on the wing providing us with some runs. She'll be a really exciting player for many years to come. We probably didn't get the ball into space for our wings enough and for her to really shine, but she'll just keep getting better."

5. There is still room for growth 

In the first match simulation of the year, there is still plenty to work on for Daniel Webster's side. Speaking post-match, Binder summed it up:

"It was only a practice match but we're competitive people so we're absolutely disappointed (to lose) but there's plenty of things we can learn from which is good leaning into our next practice match. Going into Richmond, I think we just need to get back to what we're really good at. We need to be a lot better in the contest, I think it starts there, and then spread really hard in attack, get a lot more speed on the ball and just be more aggressive and have more presence on the field in general."

From a player's point-of-view, Coyne added:

"We just need to start a bit better and take the game on."

What's next?

The Hawks head to IKON Park on Sunday 3 August to take on Richmond in another practice match, with the action commencing at 12pm AEST. 

After that, all eyes turn to Round 1 where Hawthorn travels to Brighton Homes Arena to battle with Brisbane on Sunday 17 August, with the match beginning at 12.40pm AEST.

The brown and gold's first home game is in Round 2 against Carlton at Kinetic Stadium, Frankston, on Saturday 23 August at 7.15pm AEST.

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