AFLW surprise packets Hawthorn have provisionally taken top spot of the ladder after registering their biggest ever victory in a 66-point smashing of West Coast in Frankston on Saturday.
The first quarter was a tight affair, but from that moment on, it was all the Hawks who blew open the floodgates to kick the last 10 goals of the game and run out convincing winners.
The Hawks have been the story of the season so far under new coach Daniel Webster, and the 11.8 (74) to 1.2 (8) result was the latest thrilling chapter in what has been a remarkable breakout year for the club.
They are now assured a debut finals appearance, having extended their club record winning streak to five matches, and are shaping as a legitimate threat to the stranglehold that the old firm of Adelaide, Brisbane and North Melbourne have applied on the competition.
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Watch every game of the NAB AFL Women’s Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
Scholz takes mark of the year contender! | 01:12
The exciting and entertaining Hawks are the highest scoring team in the AFLW this season and have now registered their five biggest ever scores and wins in 2024.
Under Webster, they continue to lead the way in how women’s footy should be played: attacking, free-flowing, quick and aggressive – attributes that were sorely lacking in the three-goal snooze fest that Essendon and the Western Bulldogs produced just 18 hours earlier.
Meanwhile, West Coast will probably need to win their last three matches to secure a maiden finals bow in coach Daisy Pearce’s first season in charge.
HAWKS OVERWHELM EAGLES
Hawthorn’s trademark relentless, breakneck game style was in full swing on Saturday and the Eagles stood no chance.
West Coast were overwhelmed and struggled to get out of their backline all day. Hawthorn set up superbly behind the ball, which was a key reason behind them smashing the Eagles for forward entries (50-17).
Despite finishing with more disposals (235-190), the Hawks also destroyed the Eagles in the tackle count (70-45), which underscored just how red-hot their pressure was.
The undisciplined Eagles also gave away far too many free kicks, especially in defence, and finished 10 behind in that ledger (26-16).
BRILLIANT BATES
Emily Bates was outstanding the Hawks, finishing with 22 disposals (12 contested), eight clearances and two goals, while key forward Aine McDonagh could’ve had a day out, but had to settle for 1.3, and two shots that failed to score, from her 20 possessions (14 contested).
Eliza West was also prominent, racking up 21 touches (16), nine clearances, seven tackles and a goal, while Irish star Aileen Gilroy was lethal with a game-high three goals from her 13 disposals.
Hawks stay in top 4 with win over Freo | 00:14
GILROY MAGIC
Gilroy kicked the match off in spectacular style as her snap shot inside the first minute from 50m out on a sharp angle, while being tackled by West Coast captain Emma Swanson, dribbled past a diving Eagles defender in the pocket and miraculously kept bouncing all the way through for a goal.
HAWTHORN MRO WORRIES
The win could come at a cost for the Hawks because Jess Vukic might have something to worry about after her sling tackle on Jess Hosking forced the latter off with a blood nose late in the final quarter. And Ainslie Kemp might also be looked at for a strong push to Kellie Gibson’s chest which floored the West Coast forward for a long time and led to her being helped from the field in the hands of trainer in considerable pain.
Discussion about this post