Hawthorn AFLW Senior Coach Bec Goddard has called on her side to improve its inside 50 conversion rate following a disappointing 30-point loss against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.
The Hawks have had a combined 50 inside 50s in the past two rounds but have only managed the two majors.
Ahead of some important games in the coming weeks, Goddard highlighted the need for her side to step up in front of goal.
“We want to make sure we select the best side that’s going to be competitive and find a way to goal,” Goddard said.
“That’s a whole team effort, it’s not just our forwards who need to work on that.
“It’s about having a bit of confidence across the ground to be able to squeeze the ground and put pressure on in areas we want to to be able to impact the scoreboard.”
Despite the defeat, Goddard was again impressed by some of her side’s up-and-coming stars.
“Jas Fleming touched the footy more than she ever has for us. She follows instructions really diligently,” Goddard said.
“Charlotte Baskaran was also tackling really well again today. They were coming up a bigger and stronger opposition that’s been in the AFLW for a long time and they’ll take some things away from that too.”
Fellow young gun Lucy Wales was challenged by the more experienced Dogs duo of Celine Moody and Alice Edmonds but Goddard said it provided a good learning opportunity for the 19-year-old.
“When you think about it, this is her fourth game of AFLW and she’s rucking up against some of the best rucks in the competition,” Goddard said.
“She’s only getting better as each week goes by. Her work around the ground is really impressive too. She just keeps trying and she’ll get better with more games.”
The Hawks next face Sydney on Friday night at the Swinburne Centre (Punt Road Oval), with both sides searching for their first AFLW win.