VFLW coach Patrick Hill said he was rapt with his side’s performance against the Southern Saints on Saturday despite losing by three points.
The Saints came into their Round 7 clash with the Hawks on the back of a 28-point win over Melbourne Uni the previous week.
In that match the Saints took 21 contested marks and key forwards Kate Shierlaw and Caitlin Greiser kicked two goals apiece.
On the weekend the Hawks kept Gresier goalless and the Saints to two goals in total.
“I was really proud of the girls today,” said Hill post-match.
“They’re a really good side, they’ve improved enormously over the last six months.
“They’ve got some of the best tall players in the competition.
“They had 21 contested marks last week and to concede two goals five for the day was just outstanding work.”
It was a scrappy, contested match in the rain that Hill described at the three-quarter-time break as an “arm-wrestle”.
The Saints were in front for the first three quarters, however two quick goals by the Hawks in the final term put them in front.
The Hawks’ joy was short-lived when the Saints scored a goal not long after from a free kick inside 50 that eventually secured the match for the away side.
“The girls were really brave in the last quarter to kick a couple of goals and to take the lead back and in turn win the game.
“It’s disappointing not to get the win and not to hold onto it, but we’ll be better for that performance.”
Hill suggested the Hawks would have a quieter week on the training track before their Round 8 clash with Footscray this weekend.
“I think I’ll give them a bit of a rest this week. That was a pretty gruelling game.”
Hawthorn play Footscray this Saturday at Whitten Oval starting at 12.00pm.
