For the first time in their short AFLW history, Hawthorn has secured their opening four matches of the season after defeating St Kilda by 23 points at Cazaly Stadium on Saturday evening.
The victory maintains the Hawks' perfect record despite entering the clash without influential players Kaitlyn Ashmore and Najwa Allen, both sidelined with hamstring injuries, while the Saints were seeking to balance their win-loss ledger.
Playing with the breeze in the opening quarter, the Hawks struggled to capitalise on the conditions advantage and found themselves level with their plucky opponents at the first change.
Both teams battled to adapt to Cairns' dewy surface, with the high humidity creating challenging playing conditions throughout the early exchanges.
The second quarter proved decisive as Hawthorn kicked the only two goals of the term, both through hard-working key forward Aine McDonagh, establishing a crucial 14-point buffer at the main break.
The Hawks then seized control after half-time, using the wind to devastating effect with goals from Greta Bodey, Bridie Hipwell, and Eliza West as they pulled away from their opponents.
St Kilda mounted a spirited final-quarter fightback through goals from Tyanna Smith and Molly McDonald, but Daniel Webster's Hawks held firm to secure another victory in their remarkable start to the campaign.
LOVE a win in Cairns 🎤 pic.twitter.com/crgt9vtSfF
— Hawthorn FC AFLW (@hawthornaflw) September 6, 2025
However, Hawthorn will be disappointed with their conversion rate, managing just five goals from 15 scoring shots and 32 inside-50 entries, leaving valuable percentage points on the table.
Irish star Aine McDonagh continued her strong start to the season, proving to be a focal point for the Hawks' attack.
Her combination of athleticism and clever forward craft made her a constant headache for St Kilda's defenders, finishing with nine score involvements from 13 touches and converting two goals from five scoring attempts.
Despite losing the clearance battle 26-19, Hawthorn's midfield group excelled in defensive transition, using their tackling intensity to disrupt St Kilda's forward momentum.
Laura Stone led the tackle count with nine, while Eliza West and Emily Bates contributed six apiece as the trio worked tirelessly to neutralise the Saints' midfield advantage.
The Hawks' defensive unit under coach Steph Binder continued their strong early-season form, restricting St Kilda to just seven shots from their inside 50 entries.
Emily Everist effectively nullified dangerous forward Jesse Wardlaw, while Jenna Richardson built on her impressive previous week's performance with another commanding display, highlighted by crucial intercept marks.
Tilly Lucas-Rodd again proved instrumental in Hawthorn's defensive transition, accumulating 21 disposals at 76 per cent efficiency while contributing four score involvements and a goal assist.
Their ball-use from defence has become a cornerstone of the Hawks' improved ball movement this season.
Importantly for Hawthorn's continued momentum, they emerged from the contest with a clean injury list after losing players in two of their previous three matches.
Hawthorn now faces their sternest test yet since the opening round win against the Lions, with premiership contenders Adelaide waiting, with the Crows presenting a significant challenge to their undefeated start to the 2025 season.
