Where and when: Melbourne University at Melbourne University, 4th of August at 2:30pm.
In round 10 2018, Hawthorn defeated Melbourne University by just five points. The Hawks were able to keep the Mugars goalless in the first term and continued with solid defence throughout to help get them over the line.
Now with only four games left before finals, the two sides will battle it out on Sunday at Melbourne University’s main oval. Both teams sit in the top six on the ladder, the Mugars fourth and the Hawks sixth, but with only two points the difference, this weekend’s game is all the more important ahead of finals.
The Hawks will be coming back from their bye round ready for another win after they defeated Richmond by 13 points in round 11. Melbourne University are also coming off a huge win against Carlton last week defeating them by 46 points.
Kate Gillespie-Jones was named in the Mugars’ best last week and will be a big threat for the Hawks on Sunday. Gillespie-Jones is an experienced AFLW player who was named best on ground when the Hawks faced them last season and has continued to perform this year, having kicked six-goals-five and is averaging 22 disposals.
One player that the Mugars will be familiar with on Sunday is Olivia Flanagan, who was named in the best in the Hawks’ win last season. The 20 year-old is known for her explosive speed through stoppages and is currently averaging 15 disposals. After nearly five weeks on the sidelines with injury Flanagan made her return to the side in round 11 against Richmond and was quick to pick up where she left off, racking up 17 disposals.
Ebony Nixon is another player who has spent time on the sidelines this season but who will also be a threat for the Mugars on Sunday. Nixon is a valued defender who has the skills to take on strong opposition and cut off multiple scoring opportunities.
Hawthorn will be searching for back-to-back wins on Sunday and a defeat over a top four side to step them up on the ladder, heading into the last four weeks before finals.
