VFLW: Hawthorn’s barnstorming first half holds Essendon at bay

A big first half had Hawthorn far enough in front by halftime that it could hold off the Bombers at Windy Hill

Hawthorn’s Jessica Sibley breaks a tackle against Essendon on Saturday Picture: Andy Brownbill

Hawthorn made it three wins on the trot when it took care of Essendon at Windy Hill on Saturday.

A barnstorming first half had the Hawks up by 40 points by the long break and, though the Bombers chipped away at the deficit in the second half, Hawthorn saluted by six goals, 8.8 (56) to 3.2 (20).

“It was a pretty powerful performance from the girls in the first half,” coach Patrick Hill said. “Probably the best first half we’ve played since the Bulldogs game last year when we went through them.

“The second half wasn’t perfect but full credit to Essendon they came back at us. Coming in we rested Jayde Van Dyk and Pepa Randall but, other than that, we were at full strength.”

MORE FOOTY NEWS

OLINDA FERNY CREEK’S SHOT IN THE ARM

IN SEARCH OF A MORE COMPETITIVE COMPETITION

RED HILL MAKES IT 10 ON THE SPIN

KEYSBOROUGH’S THUMPING WIN

Chantella Perera pressures Lauren Ahrens. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Olivia Flanagan bankrolled the win with three goals, while Pip Peschke, Phoebe McWilliams and Rosie Dillon joined her among the Hawks’ best on the day.

Hill gave Flanagan a rave review and said he was puzzled the 20-year-old had not found her way onto an AFLW list.

Unfortunately the talented youngster was injured on Saturday and could be sidelined for a couple of weeks.

SuperFooty Podcast: Campbell Brown reveals new details of ‘line in the sand’ game

“Liv Flanagan did her hamstring and so she could be out for one or two weeks," Hill said. “But up until then she'd kicked three goals into the third quarter and she was on fire.

“The girl just needs to be on an AFLW list.

“On Saturday there were 15 AFLW-listed players on the ground and if you asked 'which one do you think is on a list’ everyone would have pointed at Liv, she was that good.”

The Hawks will be out to maintain their recent winning run when they roll out the welcome mat for fourth-ranked Southern Saints at Box Hill City Oval this 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.