Hawthorn’s VFLW side has had a huge first win of the season, defeating Darebin by a whopping 42 points at Bill Lawry Oval on Saturday.
It was the Hawks that had the lead early in the game and didn't lose this lead for the rest of the day, thanks to a seven-player effort in front of goals and defence that kept Darebin scoreless after half time.
Hawthorn had control of the contest from the first bounce, which saw the ball spend the majority of the first term in the Hawks’ forward 50. Despite this control, it was Darebin’s Stephanie Simpson who snapped up the first goal of the game giving the Falcons their only lead of the day.
The Hawks didn’t let that lead stay for long with Steph Carroll responding quickly with a goal, putting them three points in front just before the first break.
Read: VFL match report - R8
The second term saw the Hawks start to pull away from Darebin with both Jess Sibley and Meg Hutchins hitting the scoreboard with two massive goals.
After half time the Hawthorn defence was impenetrable, being able to keep Darebin out of their forward line and off the scoreboard.
An incredible transition from the backline demonstrated the Hawks composure and precision and lead to a second goal from Sibley.
This momentum continued for the Hawks with goals from Olivia Flanagan and Nicki Cormack, pushing their lead out to 27 points heading into the last quarter.
The girls didn’t stop coming in the final term and added another two goals from Gilder and Peschke to the scoreboard, securing their win at 8.13 (61) to 3.1 (19).
Coach Paddy Hill made special mention after the game to Flanagan, who had a best-on-ground performance, with 17 disposals, eight tackles, and a goal.
Assistant Coach Hayley Gregory said it was a full ground, team effort that got them the four points.
“It was an even contribution from the backs, mids and forwards. We simplified a few things in terms of getting in there and winning the footy, being first to the footy, getting our pressure up and I think everyone was able to do that today.”
“We got back to how we like to play footy and it’s a really good confidence builder for the girls.”
The Hawks will be looking to repeat this performance when they face Williamstownat Box Hill City Oval on Saturday at 11:30am.
HAWTHORN 1.3 3.6 6.10 8.13 (61)
DAREBIN 1.0 3.1 3.1 3.1 (19)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Sibley 2, Cormack , Peschke, Hutchins, Gilder, Carroll, Flanagan
Darebin: Buckley, Simpson, David
BEST
Hawthorn: Flanagan, Tanner, Dillon, Cormack , Gilder, Peschke
Darebin: Lister, Pearce, Hicks, Szigeti, Simpson, Byrne
