Hawthorn’s VFLW team has registered its first win of the season with a stunning 23-point win against Darebin Falcons at La Trobe University on Sunday.
After a slow start, the Hawks drew ahead in the second quarter to leave Darebin almost totally bereft of goals in the second half.
With some strong performances from veterans like Meg Hutchins, Olivia Flanagan and Nicki Cormack as well as exciting and energetic showings from rookies Tilly Hardy and Jess Grace, the side looked to have a new-found synergy.
The game started with Darebin taking an early lead. However, Hawthorn was able to respond with Grace taking a set shot in front of goal, scoring in her first game in the brown and gold.
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Darebin attempted to take control but this was once again tempered by a stunning goal from Jessie Williams.
At the end of the first quarter, Darebin led by three points but the Hawks’ momentum seemed to be building.
The second quarter began slowly for the girls as they kicked consecutive behinds, but with a sneaky goal from Cormack right in front of the posts, the team was finally able to claim the lead.
This was the turn-around quarter for the girls, as their strong defensive game left Darebin scoreless for the entire term.
An injury to one of Darebin’s players slowed their game down and shook their confidence.
This began a flurry of goals from the Hawks, with Flanagan getting herself on the scoreboard, taking the team’s lead out to 18 points at half-time.
With momentum high, it was going to be a challenge for Darebin to recover. Williams started the quarter with another goal (her second of the day) and the quarter looked to be another whitewash.
However, Darebin continued to fight back. They were able to break their scoring drought, kicking their first goal in two quarters and owning the territory battle for the bulk of the term.
At three quarter time, the Hawks led by 16 points and with only 20 minutes left, it seemed an insurmountable lead. Darebin continued to put on the defensive pressure, limiting Hawthorn to just one goal via Cormack.
But the Hawks’ work was done.
At the final siren, the scoreboard read 3.8.26 v 7.7.49 and the girls were very happy to sing the team song for the first time this season.
Darebin 3.8.26
Hawthorn 7.7.49
HAW GOALS: Williams 4, Owen, Szigeti, Vine
HAW BEST: Williams, Szigeti, Owen, Gilder
