Hawthorn's VFLW side staved off a fast-finishing Richmond side to win by four points at the Swinburne Centre on Saturday. 

The Hawks failed to score after half-time, with their 17-point buffer at the main break just enough to hold off the seventh-placed Tigers. 

The win, which saw the Hawks climb to second on the VFLW ladder, was also significant given recruit Sarah McNamara was celebrating her 150^th game.

McNamara said the Tigers were a difficult opposition to play against given their high effort and hunger. 

“They were relentless,” McNamara said.

“They just seemed to be coming at us and at us, so you didn’t really have much time to breathe. 

“We found it a little bit hard to get it out of their forward 50 at times.”

But the Hawks were brave and it speaks to coach Patrick Hill and his ability to inspire his charges to grind out a win. 

“The Tigers definitely brought it today and we were up for a really good fight.

“But luckily we were able to get over the line.” 

McNamara’s football journey has certainly taken a similar level of persistence and determination.

“It’s certainly taken a while, especially with women’s football.

“But I am really happy to have made it here, it’s been good.