Victorian Netball League: Hawks needs to rediscover winning form ahead of semi-final against City West Falcons

Hawks Netball will need to recapture its mojo and snap a run of four losses when it takes on City West Falcons in a cut throat semi-final at the State Netball Hockey Centre tonight.

Hawks Netball will need to recapture its mojo and snap a run of four losses when it takes on City West Falcons in a cut throat semi-final at the State Netball Hockey Centre tonight.

After a 66-47 loss to the in-form Geelong Cougars, Hawks finished the regular season in fourth place with a 13-5 record.

The Hawks started the season in outstanding form, sweeping their way to top spot on the VNL Championship Division ladder.

AFL’S HAWTHORN TAKES THE NETBALL COURT

HAWKS DOWN TO CITY WEST FALCONS

Coach Jacqui Hansen said getting her players’ headspace right is all important Picture: David Crosling

However, losses to the three other sides in the top four along with a 10-goal shock at the hands of Boroondara over the past month has left the club with plenty of soul searching to do.

“It’s about how do we get their head space right,” coach Jacqui Hansen said. “They’ve been up for so long, they looked tired on Wednesday night. So we’ve just got to freshen them up and get ready for what City West Falcons will bring.”

Hawks have much to be proud of this year, rebuilding club confidence and reaching finals for the first time in years. Bowing out in the first week, however, is not part of the plan.

“Now that we’ve got there, let’s not roll over,” Hansen said.“If we get beaten because they are a better side, we’ll cop that. But if we get beaten because of what we do (we won’t be happy). For the girls to get to a preliminary final would be a great reward for a really good season.”

CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION

State Netball Hockey Centre (Wednesday, August 22)

Major semi-final: Melbourne University Lightning v Geelong Cougars (Court 1, 8.25pm)

Elimination semi-final: City West Falcons v Hawks Netball (Court 2, 8.25pm)

DIVISION 1

State Netball Hockey Centre (Wednesday, August 22)

Major semi-final: Geelong Cougars v DC North East Blaze (Court 1, 9.50pm)

Elimination semi-final: Hawks Netball v Selkirk Sovereigns (Court 2, 9.50pm)

19&UNDER

State Netball Hockey Centre (Wednesday, August 22)

Major semi-final: Boroondara Express v DC North East Blaze (Court 1, 7.00pm)

Elimination semi-final: Geelong Cougars v Peninsula Waves (Court 2, 7.00pm)

Towering Falcons goaler Jane Cook will be a challenge for the Hawks. Picture: David Smith