In a match befitting the traditional Geelong-Hawthorn rivalry, the VFLW Hawks were marginally defeated by the Cats on Saturday afternoon.
After close to a month with no games, both sides were raring for a win, but it was sadly the Cats that came out victorious.
The first quarter could be labelled as scrappy, with both teams stretching their legs and struggling with skills after the extended break.
Geelong was the dominant side for much of the term, scoring four behinds before finally managing a goal. The Hawks remained scoreless for the entire quarter, but nevertheless kept up with the Cats.
The Cats kept up their dominating performance for the majority of the second quarter, and it wasn’t until 10 minutes had ticked over that the Hawks managed their first score of the game. It was a Sarah Perkins special, who kicked a courageous goal to finally put the Hawks on the board.
At half-time, it was Perkins who gave a spirited address to the lagging Hawks. Drawing on her knowledge as one of the most experienced players on field, she spurred the Hawks on to remember the colours they wore and lift in performance.
It evidently worked, and the change in momentum for the second half was crucial. The Hawks didn’t cede any territory for the majority of the term, and the Cats struggled to keep up with the aggressive and determined Hawks.
The defensive line was influential for the second half, and strong pressure from Jenna Richardson kept the ball out of Geelong’s inside 50.
Perkins was once again instrumental in the play of the day for the Hawks, executing a difficult kick under pressure to Dom Carbone directly in front of goals. Carbone marked the ball and sailed it between the sticks to add to the Hawthorn scoreboard.
Geelong responded with a goal of their own, but the Cats were spooked after the Hawk’s dominating presence on field for the term.
The final quarter began with the Hawks still 13 points behind the Cats but showing incredible aggression on field that wouldn’t allow the opposition access to the ball.
Sarah Perkins kicked her third for the day, followed by another goal from Eloise Chaston, bringing the Hawks just six points behind the Cats. But time was not on their side, and the Hawks just couldn’t convert in their final seconds of the day.
With only one game left for the season and no chance for finals in season 2021, the Hawks will be looking forward to finishing their season strongly against Port Melbourne. Fingers are crossed for fans to be allowed access to watch club legend Meg Hutchins play her final game next week.
Hawthorn 4.6.26
Geelong 4.8.32
Goals: Perkins 3, Chaston
Best: Khoury, Luke, Carbone, Richardson, Hay, McRae
