Hawthorn have survived an AFLW arm-wrestle to publish a seven-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat.
Exploiting the Bulldogs’ damage woes, the Hawks received 6.10 (46) to five.9 (39) to grab their first win of the season – and solely the second of their historical past – at Mars Stadium on Sunday.
Kirsty McLeod created a powerful begin for the Bulldogs by kicking two majors however her efforts went to waste, together with her aspect unable to capitalise on a hard-earned five-point lead at quarter-time.
Hawthorn completed the primary half with a nine-point lead, thanks to 2 unanswered targets by McDonagh and Gilroy.
The Bulldogs rebounded by successful 4 extra contested possessions than Hawthorn early within the third time period, having misplaced the primary half depend by 5, and targets from former No.1 draft decide Gabrielle Newton, Sarah Hartwig and Brianna McFarlane gave them a 10-point lead.
But ex-Brisbane premiership participant Greta Bodey (two targets, 11 disposals) answered together with her first objective in Hawks colors to cut back the margin to three-points.
With fatigue setting in, the Bulldogs lacked the composure to face up to Hawthorn’s stress as Bridie Hipwell goaled, and one other main to Bodey sealed the victory.
The Hawks dominated with quick ball motion within the hall to ship excellent service to the succesful arms of Gaelic soccer converts Aine McDonagh (one objective, 11 disposals) and Aileen Gilroy (one, 9).
Emily Bates (22 disposals, three clearances) was harmful for Hawthorn, whereas skipper Tilly Lucas-Rodd (21, 5) led from the entrance and kicked their first objective.
The Bulldogs had been effectively served by the relentless battle of skipper Ellie Blackburn (20 disposals, 9 clearances), Isabelle Pritchard (26, 5) and Jessica Fitzgerald (19, three).
Hawthorn coach Bec Goddard stated her older gamers’ expertise saved their aspect within the sport.
“It was about our mature players stepping up and running the game,” Goddard stated post-match.
“Batesy did some really important things in the depth of the game, same with (Lucas-Rodd), just soaking up seconds on the clock and being able to show the young players on our team the way that we need to play when those games are tighter.
“That’s how we received over the road on the very finish, a little bit of maturity, calmness and discovering a approach to grind it out.”
Bulldogs coach Nathan Burke said he had faith his players wouldn’t dwell on their 0-2 start to the season.
“We’re simply switching off at sure instances, not capitalising once we do have a very good little bit of play,” Burke stated.
“What we will do is simply actually give attention to popping out towards Melbourne and taking a sport to that stage that we will play – so not going over and above, you understand, doing something superhuman.”
Hawthorn will subsequent journey to face Fremantle whereas the Western Bulldogs go to premiership favourites Melbourne at residence.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
