The VFLW Hawks have defeated Darebin Falcons by 62 points, in their highest winning margin this season.

Under perfect conditions at Box Hill City Oval, Hawthorn scored ten goals compared to Darebin’s one. The forward line, enhanced by debutants Ashanti Bush and Katelyn Cox, was an unstoppable force.

Hawthorn opened the game with two immediate, decisive goals from Chloe O’Malley and Nadia von Bertouch.

Darebin responded with a goal of its own, the Falcons' sole scoring effort for the entire match.

Kristy Stratton, in one of her best games of the season, also scored one for this term.

The Hawks already had a convincing lead of 11 points, and it was the beginning of a Hawks whitewash.

Darebin attempted to take back control in the second quarter, and for the majority of the term, wouldn’t allow the Hawks anywhere near their forward 50.

01:55

VFLW | Post Match with Ashanti & Dominque

After her debut and first win in the brown and gold, Ashanti Bush joined the Hawks Media team for a chat along with her friend and teammate from Darwin, Dom Carbone.

It wasn’t until the final three minutes of the term that the Hawks managed to push back Darebin’s defence and take some shots on goal.

Kristy Stratton kicked her second of the day, and rookie player Ashanti Bush also made her presence felt in front of goals.

At half time, the Hawks led by 20 points. However, the coaching messages in the rooms weren’t jubilant. They wanted to see the girls extend their lead and ensure an unimpeachable win.

Katelyn Cox opened the ledger for the Hawks in the third quarter, kicking her first for the brown and gold. Another recruit from the AFLW, her experience was invaluable to the side.

Kristy Stratton kicked her third of the day, and Phoebe McWilliams proved why she was a premiership player with a goal of her own.

Darebin were once again left scoreless for the quarter, and the Hawks led by 40 points as they entered the final term.

What ensued next was an onslaught of kicks and shots on goal from the girls in the brown and gold.

Ashanti Bush kicked her first of the day, as did Dominique Carbone and Tamara Luke. The dominance of the Hawks was undeniable, and Darebin couldn’t hold up under the pressure.

At the final siren, the Hawks led by 62 points – their most convincing win of the entire season.

In a post-match interview, Ashanti Bush and Dom Carbone (former teammates with the Northern Territory Buffaloes) commented that although it was great to get the win, it was important to stay focused for their next game against North Melbourne.

North Melbourne are the only side to have been beaten by Darebin this season, a fact that bodes well for the confident Hawks.

 

FINAL SCORE

Hawthorn 10.9.69

Darebin 1.1.7

Goals: Stratton 3, O’Malley, von Bertouch, Cox, McWilliams, Bush, Carbone, Luke

Best: Stratton, McRae, Newton, Drennan, Richardson, Luke