VFLW match report: Hawks suffer first loss of the season

The Box Hill Hawks have lost for the first time this season, going down to Collingwood 3.3 (21) to 7.3 (45). 

Despite the inside 50 count being 25-27 in the Magpies’ favour, the Hawks couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities throughout the day. 

The tackle count was also close (88-86) and the Hawks won the mark out 22-18 but it was Collingwood’s class that saw the team come out on top on Sunday at Box Hill City Oval.

Check out how the game unfolded below. 

Q1 

It was an interesting start to the quarter for Box Hill as co-vice-captain Nadia von Bertouch was sent inside 50 to fill the void of injured forwards Maddie Boyd and Sarah Perkins. The move unfortunately didn’t pay off though as the Magpies got off to a quick start with two majors while the Hawks were goalless for the term. AFLW-listed duo Catherine Brown and Janet Baird were the leading ball winners at quarter time, trying to keep the home side in it. At quarter-time, Box Hill trailed by 11 points. 

Q2 

The ball movement was better from the Hawks in the second quarter, but their last kicks inside 50 often let them down. The Magpies scored their third goal in a row as a result. Luckily for the Hawks, that was all the damage that was done as Tamara Smith had a monster quarter. The tough midfielder impressed with her second efforts and tenacity, laying eight tackles to the half. Akayla Peterson also got herself involved in the game after missing last week’s action. The winger was able to run and create space but again, Box Hill struggled to get the ball forward. At the main break, the margin was 18 points but the Hawks would go into half-time with the belief that they could keep their undefeated streak alive. 

Q3 

The Hawks got themselves right back in the game this quarter, with goals to Jordy Mifsud and Emerson Woods. Mifsud’s major came from a snap from about 35 metres out while Woods was rewarded with a set shot straight in front following a brilliant tackle inside 50. Amanda Tessari grew into her role as a forward as the term went on while Baird continued to show positive signs with her positioning and footy IQ. Matilda Van Berkel also begun to take over the game at half-back, backing up from her impressive debut last week. At three quarter-time, Box Hill trailed by just six points. 

Q4 

Box Hill would get back within six point of Collingwood in this term thanks to a goal off the deck from Tessari. Unfortunately that was all the Hawks had to cheer about in that term, as the Magpies would pile on a further four goals to put the result beyond doubt. Van Berkel continued to put her head over the ball in defence while Mifsud applied some important pressure. In the end though it wasn’t enough, as the Magpies finished the game as 24-point victors.

BOX HILL 0.1 | 0.2 | 2.3 | 3.3 (21) 

COLLINGWOOD 2.0 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 7.3 (45) 

Goals: Mifsud, Woods, Tessari 

Disposals: Van Berkel 13, Tessari 12, Brown 11, Mifsud 11, McRae 10, Peterson 10