Hawthorn’s women's team has soared to the top of the VFLW ladder with their eighth win of the season, defeating Melbourne University by six points away from home. 

The Hawks were defensively solid from the get-go, keeping the Mugars goalless in the opening term.

Hawthorn defenders consistently robbed the home side of any opportunities, before a burst of momentum saw a quick snap from Emily Gilder score the first goal for the Hawks at the other end.  

Melbourne Uni recouped at the first break to pull together a stronger second quarter performance. A free to Katie Angelis gave the Mugars their first goal, but it wasn’t long before Hawks forward Rebecca Beeson replied, helping the visitors to an eight-point lead at the main break. 

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Both teams came out for a fiery third quarter, with higher pressure and intensity around the ball. Despite many attempts, the Hawks were let down by inaccuracy in front of goals. The Mugars drew first blood in the third, with AFLW star Emma Keaney booting her side’s second goal, before young Hawk Nicky Cormack sent through a beautiful kick in reply. 

Caitlin Greiser added another to the Mugars’ tally, narrowing the margin to nine points ahead of the final break.

The stage was set for a nail-biting fourth quarter, and that’s exactly what spectators were given.

The tiring Hawks worked hard to hold off their opponents, a job made all the more difficult when Captain Emma Mackie was taken off with an ankle injury.

The goals dried up with neither side able to convert in the final term, leaving the Hawks to celebrate a six-point victory when the siren sounded. 

Hawthorn will enjoy a well-deserved bye this weekend, before taking on the Southern Saints for another away game on Saturday July 28th.

HAWTHORN  1.1 2.2 3.9 3.10(28)
MELB UNI      0.0 1.0 3.0 3.4 (22) 

GOALS

Hawthorn: Gilder, Beeson, Cormack
Melbourne Uni: Angelis, Keaney, Greiser 

BEST

Hawthorn: Nestor, Crockett-Grills, Ebb, Van Dyk, Flanagan, Sibley
Melbourne Uni: Gillespie-Jones, Belza, Ahrens, Keaney, Hardiman, Angelis