Hawthorn has officially hit the midpoint of its second AFLW season.
The Hawks have shown glimpses of the side they can be throughout the season so far and will continue to focus on putting their game together for four quarters in the back half of the season.
Here's what's happened so far and what's to come.
Season so far
The Hawks opened their season against archrivals Essendon for the first time at Kinetic Stadium, Frankston under Saturday night lights.
It was the dawning of a new era in brown and gold with marquee recruits Emily Bates and Greta Bodey being unveiled alongside exciting debutants Kristy Stratton and Mattea Breed.
While the Hawks went down by 19 points, they showed plenty of promise in their first hit-out of the season.
They took that momentum to Mars Stadium, Ballarat for their clash against the Western Bulldogs.
Despite trailing at the last change, Hawthorn's exciting brand of footy stood up to the test, running away as seven-point winners thanks to a two-goal-to-none last term.
Greta Bodey was the hero on the day with two clutch goals.
Three tough challenges came next with Hawthorn facing inaugural AFLW sides Fremantle, Melbourne and Brisbane in Rounds 3, 4 and 5.
After a disappointing opening term against the Dockers at Fremantle Oval, the Hawks bounced back to kick three goals to two for the rest of the game.
However, it wasn't enough as Freo ran out as 13-point winners.
The Demons showed why they are reigning premiers the following week with a 59-point victory over the Hawks at Frankston, highlighting what it takes to become a premiership side.
An honourable loss against Brisbane followed with the Hawks leading by eight points at half-time of that game.
The Lions' experience saw them run over the top of the young Hawks in the end, but there was plenty to take away from that contest heading into the second half of the season.
What's to come
Hawthorn takes on St Kilda, Sydney, Richmond, Port Adelaide and Geelong to round out the season.
The Hawks went down to the Saints at Box Hill City Oval last season but have improved since that contest, making the Round 6 battle an intriguing one.
Back-to-back interstate games follow this one, with a chance for the Hawks to go two from two against Sydney and win their first ever game in Richmond, and in Cairns, for the AFLW's Indigenous Round.
The Hawks will be donning their Pride Guernseys in Round 9 in front of their home fans at Kinetic Stadium against Port Adelaide, with the Hawks again hoping to secure their second win over the Power.
Hawthorn's first-ever meeting with traditional rivals, Geelong rounds out the season at GMHBA Stadium in the league's official Pride Round.
The date and time of that match will be confirmed in due course.
What the coach says
'We've seen some tremendous growth in our young players'
— Hawthorn FC AFLW (@hawthornaflw) October 6, 2023
Hear from Bec as she provides a mid-season review 🎬 pic.twitter.com/WTK7qMrDAS
Stat leaders so far
Goals: Aine McDonagh - 5
Disposals: Emily Bates - 20 per game
Marks: Laura Elliott - 4 per game
Tackles: Emily Bates - 10.2 per game
Clearances: Tilly Lucas-Rodd - 5.2 per game
Hit-outs: Tamara Luke - 16.8 per game
How can I get involved?
A Hawthorn AFLW membership is the best way to support the team. Sign up here!
Otherwise, tickets to all remaining Hawks games can be found here.
