Who, when and where: Darebin Falcons at the Bill Lawry Oval, 25th May at 12:00pm.
It was a heartbreaking finish for the Hawks when these two teams met last season. Hawthorn had the lead at the first break but the Falcons brought it back, making a fast finish that got them over the line by just three points.
The Hawks now play against the Falcons this Saturday, the first time they have met since that disappointing loss in Round 13 last season. The Hawks will be travelling to the Bill Lawry Oval where both sides will be fighting for their first win of the season.
For the Hawks to get their first win they will need to be able to shut down some of Darebin’s AFLW players including Jamie Stanton and Lauren Pearce.
Stanton has finished in the best in the last two rounds and is an experienced midfielder. Having averaged 17 disposals for North Melbourne in the 2019 AFLW season, Stanton knows how to win the football and make an impact on a game.
Pearce stands at 184cm and has shown her strength as ruck in the Darebin side, winning their 2018 Best and Fairest award and more recently coming off as best-on-ground in their Round 2 game against Melbourne University.
Abbey Tanner may just be what the Hawks will need to match up against Pearce. Having had an impressive performance against Collingwood with 34 hit-outs, putting her in the Hawks’ best, Tanner will be looking to match this performance on Saturday afternoon.
Captain Tamara Luke will also be a player on the Falcons radar, having a best-on-ground performance against them in 2018. Not only is Luke a talented second ruck but she’s also a power up forward with a big mark and the ability to follow through with a goal.
With both sides having suffered back-to-back losses, Darebin and the Hawks are sure to set up a heated contest on Saturday afternoon.
