VFLW: Hawthorn trapped in a tight race after going down to Geelong

Geelong scores late goal to edge past Hawthorn in VFLW scrap at Box Hill

Hawthorn first-gamer Tayah Kelly lays a desperate tackle against Geelong’s Amy McDonald Picture: Mark Dadswell

Hawthorn is locked in a midtable tussle with half a dozen teams after defeat at the hands of Geelong in their VFLW clash at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday.

The Hawks, now 4-4, are one of six teams between fourth and ninth separated by two games with seven rounds of the home-and-away season to come.

After scores had been level at the final change of ends on Saturday, the visitors kicked the only goal of the final quarter and went on to salute 4.7 (31) to 3.6 (24).

Hawthorn started the contest well enough with goals from Tamara Luke and Rosie Dillon giving it a handy lead after the opening 10 minutes of the game.

But the Cats rallied in the second term and, while holding the Hawks scoreless and kicking two goals, they took a one-point lead to the long break.

MORE FOOTY NEWS

EX-SAINT’S CAMEO HELPS WOORI WIN

HAWKS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

WHO WILL BE THE BOX HILL ALL-STARS?

Tayah Kelly is tackled by Geelong’s Richelle Cranston Picture: Mark Dadswell

A Geelong goal into the wind in the third term hurt the Hawks’ chances.

“The first quarter was probably the best we’ve played all year,” coach Patrick Hill said.

“And then we proceeded to play some pretty poor footy after that.

“There wasn’t much wind at the start but then it sprang up a bit.

“The third quarter we dominated without getting any reward on the scoreboard.

“We’ve got some work to do on locking the ball in the forward line once the girls get it down there.

“It just rebounds out too quickly.”

Hill praised the debut of Tayah Kelly, a 23rd player from the Eastern Ranges.

“We played her as an inside-mid and she certainly didn’t look out of place,” he said.

Dillon and Luke finished with a goal apiece while Clare O’Donnell chipped in with the Hawks’ third-quarter major.

Rebecca Beeson joined Dillon and Luke as Hawthorn's best three with Jayde Van Dyk, Georgia Bevan and O’Donnell also doing well.

Hawthorn’s Abby Tanner gets front position Picture: Mark Dadswell

The Hawks will head to La Trobe University this week for a clash against Carlton on Saturday morning.

The Blues, 11th with a 1-6 record, suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of NT Thunder in Darwin on Saturday.

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.