Hawthorn’s VFLW season has come to a close after going down to the Southern Saints by 16 points in Sunday’s semi-final.
The Hawks came to play but the Saints proved to be stronger, kicking the opening two majors before Jade Wise powered through to kick Hawthorn’s first.
Hawthorn controlled the ball through to quarter time, with scores level at the first break.
The Saints burst out again in the second term, adding another early two goals to their tally.
Abby Favell then counteracted the Saints’ momentum and in turn raised Hawthorn’s by slotting a much-needed goal.
At half-time, Coach Cherie O’Neill encouraged the team to leave everything out on the field, pumping them up for a stellar third quarter start.
Two goals came within two minutes from Mia Kendall and Katelyn Cox, with the latter major being booted from inside the centre square.
Sky Wilson used her solid hands to take a strong mark and register Hawthorn’s third major of the term, which put the Hawks in front for the first time of the game.
WATCH: Cherie O'Neill reflects on the VFLW season
But the Saints were too strong, responding with three quick goals after that and regaining the lead.
Cadhla Schmidli had an impressive attempt at goal from 45 metres out after the three-quarter time siren, but unfortunately the ball was touched on the line.
The final quarter saw the strongest pressure competition of the entire game, with only two points being scored through the 20 minutes.
The Hawks’ forward pressure was strong, but unfortunately they couldn’t get boot to ball once inside 50.
In the end, the siren sounded to end Hawthorn’s remarkable VFLW campaign.
Grace McRae had a stand-out performance with 19 disposals and five tackles, while the ever-reliable Kristy Stratton had 18 possessions and laid four tackles.
All in all, over 50 players donned the brown and gold this season while 15 players, two coaches and a multitude of support staff members were recruited to AFLW programs, highlighting Hawthorn’s VFLW success.
HAWTHORN: 2.2 | 3.2 | 6.3 | 6.3 (39)
SOUTHERN SAINTS: 2.2 | 5.4 | 8.5 | 8.7 (55)
Goals: Wise, Wilson, Stratton, Kendall, Favell, Cox
