In the last of their official pre-season hit-outs before the start of the AFLW season, Hawthorn put in a commanding performance against Richmond, taking out their final practice match by 37 points under clear skies at Ikon Park.
A week after being taught a lesson against Melbourne during the first of two pre-season hitouts, the Hawks looked to make amends and build confidence before the regular season began.
The Hawks, who played in their first AFLW finals series last year, started the practice match off strongly, kicking five of the first six goals, to take a handy four-goal lead at quarter time.
Richmond piled on the pressure during the second and third quarters, matching the Hawks' output as stars Monique Conti and Katie Brennan led the charge for a Tigers fightback, narrowing the gap to as little as a goal before the Hawks settled, with experienced defender Tilly Lucas-Rodd thwarting many a Tigers attack with their ability to be first to the contest.
A last-quarter blitz by the Hawks saw them blow the game wide open, with their speed and fitness allowing many attacking forays into the forward line that overwhelmed the Tigers' defence.
For Daniel Webster's Hawks, Ainslie Kemp starred in the backline, with her combination with Emily Everist and Laura Elliott allowing the Hawks to control the air and defuse many dangerous attacking raids by the Tigers forwards.
With influential defender Jenna Richardson watching on, the Hawks trio put forth their best case to be starting the season in a strong Hawthorn backline that includes recruits Najwa Allen and Keely Coyne, who are pushing for selection in the Hawks Round 1 team to face fellow premiership contenders the Brisbane Lions.
Post-match, Kemp spoke exclusively to Zero Hanger about the new look Hawks backline as they prepare for a hopeful tilt at a second consecutive finals campaign.
"I think we honestly just have such a good vibe down there," Kemp said.
"We try to back each other's decisions, whether they are the right ones or the wrong ones; we just want to make sure we give people the best opportunity to play their way and to play to their weapons.
"It gives a lot of people confidence."
The Hawks' midfield of Jasmine Fleming, Emily Bates and Eliza West showed no rustiness with their combinations, slicing through the middle of the ground and giving the Hawthorn forwards many opportunities to hit the scoreboard, with 28 shots on goal for the clash compared to the Tigers' eight.
Kemp praised the work of the trio, alongside veteran Kaitlyn Ashmore, who helped the Hawks show that they are not one-season wonders after rocketing up the ladder last year.
"It's such a confidence boost for us anytime we see them break a line," the defender added.
"Last week, we were trying to find our best in terms of stoppage craft and our setup, so for them to be able to absolutely mop it up today was amazing to see.
"It gives us so much confidence to press up the ground and play our brand."
The Hawks, without veteran forward Aileen Gilroy, had many different attacking options through the forward line, with key forwards Mackenzie Eardley and Aine McDonagh attacking contests with vigour, collecting many contested marks and hitting the scoreboard regularly.
The small forward duo of Greta Bodey and Hayley McLaughlin terrorised the Tigers' backline with their pressure when the ball was on the ground in a pleasing performance under new forward line coach Cam Howat.
"There are so many people going through the forward line that are flourishing, and there's a lot of confidence from the big pre-season we have had.
"It's amazing just being able to get the ball in there and just let them perform."
The only injury concern for the Hawks was experienced midfielder Casey Sheriff, who left the ground just before half-time after a heavy knock and did not return for the second half.
Hawthorn now has a fortnight until their season opener against fellow premiership aspirant Brisbane in a blockbuster clash to kick off the 2025 season for the Hawks AFLW team.
