Hawthorn went down by 29 points in its first AFLW hit-out against the West Coast Eagles at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday.

In a match simulation containing four 18-minute quarters, the Hawks showed fight and spirit, but it was the Eagles who showed polish to run over the top of the young side.

The Hawks were slow out of the gates but nevertheless showed promising signs throughout the quarter.

Some good passages of play were simply unable to be finished off, leaving plenty of room for improvement heading into the second quarter.

The Hawks came out firing after the first break with a great brand of free-flowing football.

This led to the first goal of the day for the brown and gold, as Tegan Cunningham converted truly on a difficult angle.

Tamara Luke then got herself on the scoreboard with a great snap before following up again with a strong contested mark and finish.

Although Hawthorn had won the quarter, work was still to be done at the main break with the brown and gold down by 13 points.

The third quarter started strongly with Luke again flexing her muscles to get the Hawks within seven points of the lead.

This led to an Eagles fightback as the home side piled on three majors to regain control of the game.

However, Hawthorn was able to produce a fightback of its own with Luke scoring her fourth goal on the eve of three-quarter time.

With one period remaining, the Hawks trailed by 19 points.

West Coast continued to power on in the fourth term, but the Hawks were able to keep their noses in it through a goal from Dominique Carbone.

Luke continued to provide a strong presence up forward with strong hands while Jenna Richardson stepped up down back with solid run and carry.

In the midfield, Tilly Lucas-Rodd performed strongly while Tegan Cunningham impressed in the ruck and up forward. 

But it was the Eagles in the end who ran away with it, prevailing by 29 points.

HAWKS: 0.1.1 | 3.2 | 5.3 | 6.5 (41)

EAGLES: 3.0 | 5.3 | 8.4 | 11.4 (70)