Hawthorn’s VFLW side continue its impressive 2018 season, with a 51-point win against Carlton at Box Hill City Oval.
It was the first home game of the season, with both teams defending their unbeaten streaks to get their third win.
The Hawks were in sync from the first siren, and consistently controlled the ball to find their targets before Olivia Flanagan kicked the first goal of the afternoon.
The midfield was efficient in clearing the ball to deliver inside 50, and it was Steph Carroll and Emily Gilder who were able to convert and earn two more goals before the end of the first term.
Celine Moody opened the second quarter with Carlton’s first goal of the afternoon. However, a goal from Sarah Perkins was enough to gain momentum for the Hawks.
The backline strongly defended the opposition’s efforts, and worked hard to escape high-pressure moments. Hawks Captain Emma Mackie and Vice-Captain Tamara Luke also led by example, each kicking a goal to widen the margin to 33 points at half-time.
Meg Hutchins extended the lead with a monster goal early into the third quarter.
But, the Blues defensive organisation made it hard for the Hawks to find any more goals in the term.
Mackie was instrumental around the ground, and worked hard to find the ball and keep pressure on the Blues. It was a huge effort to keep the opposition to another goalless quarter, and to enter the final term with a comfortable 41-point lead.
Carlton started the final term quickly, with Darcy Vescio kicking her first goal to bring back the margin to 35 points. However, Hawthorn were fast to respond, with Perkins converting another shot to get her second goal for the afternoon.
This was enough for the Hawks to keep momentum for the rest of play, as they consistently pushed the ball forward to maximise their opportunities. It wasn’t long before Clare O’Donnell was able to execute and kick the final goal, sealing the result 9.10(64) to 2.1(13).
It was the Hawks’ biggest effort to date, and the perfect way to celebrate Melissa Kuys’ 250th game.
Images courtesy of Kadek Thatcher photography
The Hawks get a bye next week, before another home game against Collingwood on Saturday the 2nd of June.
HAWTHORN 3.2 6.3 7.6 9.10 (64)
CARLTON 0.0 1.0 1.1 2.1(13)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Perkins 2, Flanagan, Carroll, Gilder, Mackie, Luke, Hutchins, O’Donnell
Carlton: Moody, Vescio
BEST
Hawthorn: Mackie, Luke, Van Dyk, Kuys, Hutchins, Flanagan
Carlton: Plane, Harvey, Bromage, Lucas-Rodd, Gietzmann, Hardeman
