VFLW Match Report: Undefeated Hawks Secure Four From Four

Box Hill has secured its fourth straight win against Williamstown in Round 4 at Box Hill City Oval with a final score of 31 to 21. The ten point win comes off the back of consecutive triumphs so far this season.

The opening quarter saw a strong defensive display, with the back line being able to rebound out of Williamstown’s forward 50 and push the ball forward.  However, neither team were able to capitalise on their forward 50 entries for majority of the quarter. A spark from VFLW captain Tamara Luke late in the term saw her kick the first major of the game. Hawks led by four going into the first break.

Box Hill got off to a quick start in the second term with AFLW forward Hayley McLaughlin kicking the second goal of the match in the opening few minutes of the quarter. Bridie Hipwell followed up by scoring her first for the match halfway through the term. Play spent majority of time in the midfield for the remainder of this term, however Hawks were able to finish the term leading by 10 points.

The third quarter saw Williamstown gaining momentum, as they dominated play in their forward 50 for the majority of the term. Williamstown were able to take advantage, kicking two majors early in the quarter. Grace Matser and Tamara Luke created a spark in the midfield, with a combined 47 hit-outs for the first three quarters. The Hawks were able leverage off this spark, allowing Rosie Dillon to kick a much-needed goal to head into the final quarter with a seven point lead.

The momentum swung back the Hawks way in the final term, where the ball spent majority of time in its forward 50. A strong defensive mark by AFLW defender Ainslie Kemp in the fourth term saw the Hawks surge forward to finish the match with a 10 point win.

The fourth quarter also saw AFLW forward Tahlia Fellows suffer a suspected rib injury after colliding with Tamara Luke and landing awkwardly on the ground.

Box Hill now turns its attention to next Saturday where it faces North Melbourne at Box Hill City Oval, with the game commencing at 11.30am.

Box Hill                        1.0        2.1        2.3        0.3 (31)

Williamstown              0.2        1.1        2.0        0.0 (21)

Best: Thorne, Williamson, Luke, Fellows, Dillon

Goals: McLaughlin, Luke, Hipwell, Dillon

Disposals: Thorne (19), Williamson (15), Luke (14), Fellows (14), Dillon (14), Kemp (12)