Hawthorn continued its winning streak at their fortress of Kinetic Stadium in Frankston, making it six wins in a row at the venue with an eight-point victory over plucky Carlton in Round Two of the AFLW season.
Both sides entered the clash confidently, having secured four points in round one.
The Hawks started the match with all the running, kicking the only two goals of the quarter through Bridie Hipwell and skipper Emily Bates to take a ten-point lead.
The second quarter was a real arm wrestle, with both sides struggling to capitalise on momentum, resulting in a scoreless quarter.
The third quarter saw the Hawks control territory but were unable to convert on the scoreboard.
Embed from Getty Images
The Hawks kicked three behinds before Carlton had the final three shots of the quarter, with Madeleine Guerin's goal narrowing the margin to six points heading into the final term.
The last quarter saw the Blues gain early ascendancy, with Dayna Finn levelling the scores as the underdog Blues looked poised to claim a massive scalp against the more fancied Hawks.
However, the Hawks had other ideas, digging deep as the home fans rallied behind them. Hawthorn scored the final eight points of the game, including the match-winning goal to Aine McDonagh, to secure victory and remain undefeated after the opening fortnight.
While the Hawks were not as clinical as the previous week against last year's runners-up, the Brisbane Lions, they would be pleased to have secured four points after being tested by the high intensity and pressure applied by the Blues throughout the clash.
Despite not winning the stoppages, Hawthorn dominated clearances, with Emily Bates, Eliza West and Laura Stone driving the Hawks forward, leading to 34 inside 50 entries.
Hawthorn skipper Emily Bates led the way for the Hawks, continuing to demonstrate why she is one of the best players in the AFLW.
Embed from Getty Images
Bates finished the clash with a game-high five clearances, five tackles and 521 metres gained from her 25 possessions in an impressive display.
The Hawks struggled to make the most of their territorial dominance and forward 50 entries, kicking 12 behinds for the game, which will be a clear focus heading into next week's clash against the Western Bulldogs.
Key forward Mackenzie Eardley was a welcome addition to the side, after missing round one with a knee injury, with her marking presence up forward causing problems for the Carlton defence.
Eardley had five tackles inside forward 50 as she helped to build pressure on the Carlton defence when the ball entered the Hawks' forward line.
She played an important part in the Hawks' scoring chains, finishing the match with a goal assist and seven score involvements.
In defence, the Hawthorn backline held up well against Carlton's counterattack that threatened to steal victory.
Despite missing key personnel, including Ainslie Kemp, who ruptured her ACL during the week, the Hawks withstood everything the Blues threw at them in an encouraging display.
Embed from Getty Images
Ex-Adelaide premiership defender Najwa Allen was a rock behind the ball, slotting into the role that Kemp had made her own throughout the past season. Allen recorded 10 intercept possessions alongside her 18 disposals and four marks as she thwarted many Blues shots on goal.
Allen was ably supported by Tilly Lucas-Rodd, who backed up their impressive round one display.
Lucas-Rodd dominated the contest from halfback, using their experience and ability to find free teammates, allowing the Hawks to clear the ball from dangerous areas.
They finished the contest with 23 disposals, six marks, four tackles and seven intercept possessions.
The Hawks now have a six-day break before their Round Three clash against the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval, as they look to continue their unbeaten streak to start the 2025 AFLW season.
