Hawks Netball have officially been crowned the 2022 Victorian Netball League Division 1 premiers.

The Hawks went goal-to-goal with the Geelong Cougars for nearly three quarters until the experienced Hawks were finally able to push out to a lead in an enthralling encounter.

With nothing to lose, the Cougars held on until the dying minutes, but it was a footwork call against them that allowed the Hawks to seal the deal and they went on to win 48-43.

Hawthorn Football Club CEO Justin Reeves said he was delighted to see the Hawks Netball side take out the VNL Division 1 Grand Final.

“The team had an outstanding season, but to cap it off by converting their efforts into a premiership is a wonderful achievement," Reeves said.

“To beat Geelong in the Grand Final too, it’s fair to say that makes the taste of victory that little bit sweeter!”

Both teams had very different roads to this year’s big game, with the Hawks finishing second on the ladder before securing a breakthrough victory against undefeated minor premiers North East Blaze in the major semi-final.

Meanwhile Geelong secured their finals berth at the latest possible moment, jumping from fifth to fourth position when the Hawks defeated fourth-placed Peninsula Waves in the last game of the season.

Geelong then beat third-placed City West Falcons in the minor semi-final and scored an upset win over North East Blaze in the preliminary final.