AFLW: Let's get going!
HI contributor Sean Pinan is on board with a look at how Hawthorn's second AFLW season is shaping up.
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Year 1 - A reflection
After a seemingly interminable wait to see a brown and gold presence in the AFLW, it was just about the season highlight (both men’s and women’s) to venture with my family to Marvel Stadium to see us take on the ‘enemy’ in Essendon for our first game for premiership points.
And even though we didn’t get the chocolates in that game, the build-up, the amazing crowd and that genuine feeling of pain and emptiness at the siren with the mighty Hawks behind, particularly at the hands of the Bombers, reassured me that this was Hawks team playing footy, and it was real!
The Highlights
Unlike the other expansion clubs, the Hawks chose to invest in youth and even though having superstar coach and Hawks tragic Bec Goddard at the helm, expectations were understandably kept in check.
After an understandably slow start (there were effectively two AFLW seasons crammed into 2022 which significantly compressed the pre-season), our performances, particularly as the season went on, significantly exceeded expectations with three victories (on the trot no less) and two narrow losses to significantly more experienced teams in GWS and Fremantle.
An ‘all-time’ quarter-time spray by the usually unflappable Goddard which sparked a memorable comeback victory against the Swans for our first victory was a particular highlight.
We were led fearlessly by captain and best and fairest winner Tilly Lucas-Rodd and admirably supported by the experienced silky Katelyn Ashmore. We also got to see the emergence of a number of future stars such as Jasmine Fleming, Charlotte Baskaran, and Lucy Wales (who spent much of the season single handedly holding down the ruck following an early ACL injury to Tamara Luke). Add an excellent first season from tough Irish import, Aileen Gilroy, the incredible determination of Sophie Locke (she kicked our first goal days after the passing of her mother) and the dash and panache of Akec Makur Chuot (check out her GOTY contender) and the makings of an exciting combination were there for all to see.
The Build Up to AFLW S8
Despite the uncertainty surrounding player contracts, season length and fixturing (the AFL seriously needs to sort this out), many of the inaugural Hawks continued to train at Bunjil Bagora during the offseason and credit must go to Goddard and the coaching staff for the culture built in such a short time where the women seem so genuinely invested in the club and their development.
Off / Pre-season maneuvering
The Hawks received an enormous boost during the pre-season draft period (and an equalisation measure called the AFLW Priority Signing period), where we secured the services of Lions duo, Emily Bates and Greta Bodey. Bates is the 2022 AFLW Best and Fairest winner and her former team mate Bodey is a 2022 All-Australian forward and Brisbane’s leading goalkicker last season. As a comparison to the men’s, this would be like securing the services of Lachie Neale and Charlie Cameron in the off-season!
The other signing of interest has been former Matildas goalie, Casey Dumont.
The Hawks travelled to Cairns for their pre-season camp as part of an AFL Cairns, AFL Queensland partnership where the Hawks will play a match there later this season. The pre-season has progressed well with a competitive match simulation hit out against the Bulldogs followed by a more sobering test against AFLW benchmarks Melbourne.
So what are the expectations?
Momentum is key in such a short season and at first glance of the draw, we’re going to need to try and bank some early wins to set up a potential tilt at finals. Mid-season fixtures against Melbourne and Brisbane will provide stern tests and our draw appears considerably tougher than last year’s. We play three games at the delightful Kinetic Stadium in Frankston which offers stunning sunsets and a genuine local footy atmosphere. On a negative note, I firmly believe we deserve another ‘blockbuster’ season launch at Marvel and am baffled by the AFL’s decision not to continue this.
Game wise, and much like the men’s program, the women will look to develop a formidable presence in the midfield this season, with captain Tilly-Rodd and deputies Bates and Fleming looking to dominate clearances and give our forwards plenty of opportunities to capitalise. The addition of Bodey will be a real boost inside 50.
Down back, expect Emily Everist, Mackenzie Eardley and Catherine Brown to compete strongly, ably supported by Aileen Gilroy and Jenna Richardson.
While we are starting well behind the established AFLW teams, these women have incredible spirit and a genuine enthusiasm to compete that cannot be underestimated. We may fall short of finals; however we’re building a team who we expect to become a powerhouse as we move to our new home in Dingley over the coming seasons.
Get on board!
Predictions
Ladder Finish – 10th (prove me wrong please!)
Wins – 4/5
B & F – Emily Bates
Emerging Star / Most Improved – Bridie Hipwell
Has Sean nailed his predictions? Let us know what you think, Hawks fans.