Where and when: Richmond at Box Hill City Oval, 21st July at 11:30am.
There was only four points the difference when these sides met last year, with Hawthorn coming away as victors. The Hawks were in the lead all day and despite a late surge from Richmond, Hawthorn’s strong defenders helped get their team over the line.
On Sunday the Hawks will be welcoming the Tigers to Box Hill City Oval, where both teams will be fighting for their first win in three weeks.
The Hawks will be doing everything they can to get a win over the top three side, coming off the back of their first draw for the season against Carlton last week.
Richmond had a tough first season in the VFLW last year, but have come back to prove themselves this season winning their first six games. In the last two weeks they’ve experienced their first losses and will no doubt be looking to keep their top three spot on the ladder when they face the Hawks.
The Tigers has been strengthened this season by a number of young new recruits including 22-year-old Gabby Seymour. Seymour has been playing as the side’s 23rd player over the last few weeks and is definitely making her presence known in the team. She is currently averaging 29.5 hit-outs a game and had a career best performance last week with 43 hit outs. She will definitely be one to watch on Sunday.
Important players for the Hawks this weekend will be Jayde Van Dyk and vice-captain Rosie Dillon.
Van Dyk was named as best on ground in the Hawks’ win against the Tigers in 2018 and more recently was named as MVP for the game against Carlton last week. Van Dyk is an experienced defender who has the skills to push up into the midfield and make an impact around the ground.
Dillon continues to produce impressive performances game after game, averaging 17.7 disposals and five tackles. The midfielder has the ability to win a contest and is also able to have an impact on the scoreboard having booted four-goals-five so far this season.
With only six rounds left for the season and the race to finals looming, the Hawks will be looking to get back on the winner’s list and into the top six.
