Hawthorn AFLW Senior Coach Bec Goddard has credited the team's leaders for stepping up in a seesawing contest against the Western Bulldogs to seal their first win of the season.

The Hawks were led by Emily Bates and Tilly Lucas-Rodd in the midfield in particular, with both players combining for 43 disposals on the day.

Goddard said their ability to stand up under pressure was the key to winning the game. 

"I think it was about our mature players stepping up and running the game from that perspective," the Hawks coach said.

"Batesy did some really important things in the death of the game, same with TLR, just soaking up seconds on the clock and being able to show the young players on our team the way that we need to play when those games are tight at the end.

"In the end, that's how we got over the line. A bit of maturity, a bit of calmness and finding a way to grind it out."

Goddard also praised the efforts of the three inclusions to Sunday's team, especially young defender Laura Elliott.

Elliott recorded a career-high 15 disposals to go with six marks in a memorable performance. 

"I thought Laura Elliott was phenomenal in the back half," Goddard said.

"She just came in like she'd never been gone.

"Lucy Wales had her first game back today too.

"They did some really important things for us."

Hear more from Goddard and star forward Greta Bodey below.