The VFLW Hawks suffered a tight loss against Casey Demons on Saturday at Box Hill, after a fourth quarter change in momentum.

After starting the match neck-and-neck, the Dees pulled ahead through the second and third quarters of the game.

However, a last-minute turnaround saw the Hawks nearly pull off a coup. Sadly, the clock was against them and the Hawks were unable to recover their score.

The first quarter opened with a stunning goal from new recruit Kristy Stratton, who played her first game in the brown and gold back in 2017 before being drafted to Collingwood. Her goal certainly showed just what experience she could bring to the team.

The quarter continued with both teams on par kicking goal for goal, with both Tamara Luke and Meg Hutchins scoring majors for the Hawks.

Clarko: Learn from the positives as much as the negatives

At the first break, it was the Dees with their noses just in front, leading by one point.

The second quarter saw the Hawks come out with a bang, as Izzy Khoury scored to open the term.

However, the Demons mounted a lead in the second quarter. Scoring four goals in succession, their dominance was clear and the Hawks were unable to take possession of the ball.

At half-time the opposition led by 13 points.

The Hawks' woes of the second quarter continued into the third.

The Dees kicked three goals in the term, and the Hawks were unable to take control until a late goal by Dom Carbone finally lifted spirits around the ground.

Despite Carbone’s goal, the Hawks trailed by 27 points at three-quarter time. Although a surge of momentum was coming, with only a quarter left it would take great effort to bring them back into the lead.

The fourth quarter saw the Hawks bring a rush of energy and aggression, and it was clear they didn’t want to let the Demons run all over them on home turf.

A quick goal off the boot of Tamara Luke was a convincing run at a comeback, as well as a Jessie Williams goal, however, it was time that was the greatest opposition.

At the final siren, the Demons were ahead by 13 points and the Hawks had suffered a heartbreaking defeat.

In an interview after the game, captain Meg Hutchins said although the loss was disappointing, the attention now would be turning to Williamstown for their next game on Sunday and the focus at training would be on maintaining pressure through all four quarters.

FINAL SCORE

Hawthorn 7.5.47

Casey 9.6.60

Goals: Luke 2, Stratton, Hutchins, Khoury, Carbone, Williams

Best: Gilder, Luke, Flanagan, Bain, Stratton, Khoury