A second-quarter masterclass from Hawthorn veteran Jess Duffin has impressed the Hawks to a second thrilling come-from-behind AFLW victory in as many weeks.
Hawthorn seemed house towards West Coast when Irish dual-code star Áine McDonagh kicked her first profession objective halfway via the ultimate time period on Friday evening to place the hosts up by eight factors.
However an impressive Aimee Schmidt set shot from the boundary line shortly after bought the Eagles again inside two.
It ensured a tense end to the match in Frankston however the Hawks held on to win 6.8 (44) to six.5 (41).
Hawthorn slipped 18 factors behind within the first quarter however, simply as they did towards Sydney final week once they trailed by 4 objectives, fought again admirably.
And it was the impressed resolution to maneuver Duffin up ahead within the second time period which proved decisive.
She hadn’t kicked a objective for greater than three years, however she booted three of her workforce’s 4 majors for the interval to place them up by eight factors on the lengthy break, from the place they had been capable of maintain the Eagles at bay.
After dropping their first 4 AFLW video games, the Hawks have now gained back-to-back matches and the enlargement membership are only one win outdoors the highest eight.
The win was soured, although, by the report of key ahead Tegan Cunningham whose title went within the e-book within the final quarter for partaking in tough conduct with West Coast’s Charlotte Thomas courtesy of a late bump.
After quarter time, Hawthorn’s stress was excellent, they usually comprehensively out-tackled West Coast 83-58, whereas additionally having fun with a sizeable benefit in inside 50s (30-21).
Duffin had 12 disposals to go together with her three majors. Aileen Gilroy additionally performed a key function for the Hawks with 15 touches (10 contested) and 10 tackles, as did captain Tilly Lucas-Rodd with 14 disposals, six tackles and a objective.
Lucas-Rodd’s reverse quantity Emma Swanson was excellent for the Eagles with 28 touches (14 contested), seven clearances and a objective, whereas Isabella Lewis (10 tackles) additionally tried arduous with 24 touches (18 contested), 9 clearances and a objective.
The guests made the a lot of the robust breeze within the first quarter, kicking the opening three objectives in simply 9 minutes.
After Duffin single-handedly turned the tide within the second time period, because the Hawks registered all 15 inside 50s for the quarter, the momentum shifted again West Coast’s means within the third, and a intelligent Jaide Britton objective levelled the scores.
However regardless of having the breeze at their backs, a few missed set pictures from Swanson and Kate Bartlett prevented them from wresting again the lead.
AAP