Hawthorn VFLW was outclassed by an experienced Carlton side at Ikon Stadium on Saturday, as the Blues prevailed by 30 points.
Missing key player Meg Hutchins, the less experienced Hawks struggled for three quarters against Carlton’s AFLW-stacked team.
However the final quarter signalled a change in momentum for the Hawks and was a show of things to come as the season progresses.
The Blues came out firing in the first quarter, booting back-to-back goals before Hawthorn could strike.
The tough quarter was only exacerbated as the experienced Kristen Hay came off injured.
The one light spot in the term was a stellar goal from Jessie Williams, but Carlton quickly responded with a goal of their own.
Clarko on injuries, plus the Hawks tactic that surprised Dimma
The second quarter once again opened with a goal from Carlton.
Conditions were tricky, with some light showers making the ball and ground slippery.
With the breeze in Hawthorn’s favour, the girls were sadly unable to score any goals for the quarter, but they did manage to dominate the territory battle and curb Carlton’s offence.
After a low-scoring second term, the Carlton girls returned in the third quarter with a vengeance. They kicked four unanswered majors in a row and were unrelenting in their pressure.
The lead was more than 50-points, and the mood was grim.
However, towards the end of the quarter, the Hawks weren’t ceding any territory and managed to take control of the ball. It was a sign of things to come.
The fourth quarter signalled a massive change in momentum, and the electricity could be felt in their air.
The term opened with two injuries, with a Blue and Maddie Shaw both exiting the ground.
Katie Angelis, in only her second game for the brown and gold, booted two consecutive goals, followed in quick succession by goals from Tayah Kelly and Amy Malander.
This hunger for the ball was welcome, but sadly too late for the Hawks. At the siren, the Blues led by 30 points.
Jessie Williams, one of the few goal-scorers of the game, hinted that the break in games over Easter might mean some tough training and fitness, while coaches are anticipating the girls will come back fighting-fit after the long weekend.
FINAL SCORE
Carlton 9.11.65
Hawthorn 5.5.35
Goals: Angelis 2, Malander, Kelly, Williams
Best: Angelis, Cormack, Brown, Williams, Kelly, Richardson
