Hawthorn’s AFLW resurgence has continued with a tense 13-point win over an inaccurate Port Adelaide.
The Hawks overcame a slow start to kick the final four goals of the game in their 4.5 (29) to 1.10 (16) victory at Frankston’s Skybus Stadium on Saturday night.
Captain Tilly Lucas-Rodd (19 disposals) was the leading ball-winner on the ground and sealed the result with a goal in the dying seconds, capping her 50th AFLW appearance in style.
Kaitlyn Ashmore (16 disposals), Aileen Gilroy (12) and Ainslie Kemp (10) were also influential, while the Hawks dominated the tackle count (71-40).
Hawthorn lost the first four games of their inaugural season but have now bounced back with three straight wins.
Two of those have been over fellow new expansion sides – Sydney and the Power.
“We came into the season hoping for one win and to get three in a row is incredible by the group,” Ashmore told Fox Footy.
“I feel like a proud mum.
“You look at our first game against Essendon and what we’ve been able to achieve since, the growth has been outstanding.”
Port Adelaide dominated early and registered the first five scores, generating a 10-point lead on the back of Olivia Levicki’s opening goal.
But they could only muster six behinds after quarter-time as Hawthorn gradually took control on the scoreboard.
Ashmore was important as an extra player behind the ball for the Hawks during the third quarter as goals to Bridie Hipwell and Aine McDonagh gave them the ascendancy.
Port Adelaide captain Erin Phillips (15 disposals), Angela Foley and Kate Surman (both 13) all tried to lift their side.
Phillips is still searching for her first goal for the Power after booting 0.3 against the Hawks.
It took Phillips’ tally to 0.5 with her family’s club since her high-profile move from Adelaide.
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