At the halfway point of the season, Hawthorn coach Bec Goddard is optimistic about what her team can produce in the next five games.

The Hawks have played inaugural teams in four of their five games so far, ending the first half of the season with a 1-4 record.

Speaking post-match after her team’s 27-point loss to Brisbane, Goddard said there is plenty to build on heading into the second half of the season. 

“We wanted to give ourselves a great launchpad,” she said.

“We played against last year’s grand finalists back-to-back in the last two weeks and we’ve played in the competition for one season.

“We’d much prefer to play against those really good teams and set ourselves up strongly for a great backend of the season.”

Hawthorn’s first half against the Lions showed signs of what’s to come, with the young team coming away with an eight-point lead at the main break.

Goddard said she was proud of the way her team played in the opening half.

“We don’t want to be a team that’s happy with a loss and we certainly aren’t but it was a really good first half against a team that’s been in the competition for seven seasons,” she said.

Among a great team effort, tenacious midfielder Tamara Smith was one of the best players on the ground.

Playing a role on dangerous Lions forward Courtney Hodder, Smith kept her opponent to just three disposals while racking up nine herself and laying four tackles for the game.

Goddard was full of praise for the 23-year-old.

“Smithy is a great little player and turning into a really competitive utility,” Goddard said.

“We can use her anywhere on the ground really.

“We weren’t quite sure what was going to happen with Courtney Hodder today… but we know when she gets the footy, she lights it up, so Smithy put some great pressure and I think she was one of the best players on the ground.”

Hear more from Goddard and co vice-captain Emily Bates below.