Hawthorn is closing in on a top-two finish after clinching a 37-point win over GWS in Frankston.
Having all but secured a top-four berth, the Hawks have set their sights on hosting a home qualifying final after defeating the Giants 9.7 (61) to 3.6 (24) on Saturday.
Hawthorn, who has an 8-1 win-loss record, could finish on top of the ladder if results fall their way this round.
It is a remarkable transformation for first-year coach Daniel Webster’s Hawks, who had not won more than three matches a season until this year.
Emily Bates (one goal, 34 disposals and eight clearances) led the way for Hawthorn, while Aileen Gilroy (three goals) did the heavy lifting in attack in the absence of the injured Greta Bodey.
It was the 16th-placed Giants’ seventh loss for the season, although Alyce Parker was a shining light against the Hawks.
Explosive from the first bounce, midfielder Parker finished with 27 disposals, six clearances and eight tackles.
Tarni Evans lit up GWS with the first two goals in the opening three minutes, before the Hawks made up ground to be just two points behind at the first change.
Gilroy provided a first-quarter highlight after bringing out the ‘bow and arrow’ to celebrate a tight set-shot in windy conditions for Hawthorn’s second goal.
The hosts were able to trap play in their forward half but found no scoreboard reward in the second term, jumping ahead by just one point courtesy of a wayward Aine McDonagh shot at goal.
Bates finally broke through for the first major since the opening quarter, before Gilroy and Charlotte Baskaran (two goals and 10 disposals) added one apiece to put the Hawks ahead by 19 points before the final break.
Jessica Doyle peeled one back for the Giants to open the fourth quarter, but Gilroy countered with her third of the match.
AAP
