HAWTHORN has shaken off a spritely Greater Western Sydney side to notch its sixth win on the trot with a 37-point win on Saturday afternoon.
Aileen Gilroy was the star, with three stunning goals for the Hawks in the 9.7 (61) to 3.6 (24) victory in their last match at Frankston's Kinetic Stadium for the season.
Gilroy's ability to dob miracle goals from deep in the forward pocket sparked her side, as she adapted to the windy conditions beautifully.
It was unfortunately the story of the Giants' season, able to challenge for part of the game, but simply not for long enough. They came out with some bite in the first quarter, but the Hawks' professionalism won out, kicking seven goals to the visitors' one after the main break.
Hawthorn captain Emily Bates (34 disposals, one goal) was the one to turn the tide in the face of the fast-starting Giants, as she worked exceptionally hard to impact in tight, then spread hard.
She was aided by the clean run of Jasmine Fleming (20 disposals, one goal) whose class left her a cut above.
It was Tarni Evans who kicked through the opening two goals of the game, while Alyce Parker (27 disposals, six clearances), as she is known to do, lifted her side atop her shoulders to make an early statement. Her 12 first-term disposals helped the Giants to their first quarter-time lead since week three, helping to shake up the expected Hawthorn stranglehold on the contest.
The Hawks were uncharacteristically fumbly, which was a result of the visitors' close-checking and elite pressure. Impressive work rate from the Giants allowed them to maintain this manic pressure for much of the game, and it prevented Hawthorn from finding the consistent outside run that it has enjoyed for much of the year.
Given their skill, however, the Hawks did break free and punish GWS. The long kick of Gilroy sent the home side into dangerous space ahead of the play, and the returning Charlotte Baskaran – only recalled to the side in the absence of Greta Bodey – cleaned up with two goals for the day.
GWS wasn't helped, either, with important swing player Georgia Garnett missing for much of the second half with a knock to the body, unable to return to the field.
The Hawks are now closing in on a top-two spot with two rounds to go, and could finish the weekend on top of the ladder if results fall their way on Sunday.
It is a significant turnaround for the club under first-year coach Daniel Webster, having not won more than three games a season until this year.
HAWTHORN 2.1 2.4 5.5 9.7 (61)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 2.3 2.3 2.4 3.6 (24)
GOALS: Gilroy 3, Baskaran 2, Hipwell 2, Bates, Fleming
BEST: Gilroy, Bates, Fleming, Breed, Lucas-Rodd
