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Carlton to face Brisbane Lions in AFLW preliminary final after 46-point win over Hawthorn

Carlton is one win away from its second berth in an AFLW Grand Final after sending Hawthorn packing in straight sets in a one-sided semi-final romp.

Chloe Williams
@chloekwilliams
3 min read
November 15, 2025 - 9:33PM
News Sport Network

Carlton will continue to celebrate in style, securing its second Preliminary Finals berth with an emphatic 46-point victory over Hawthorn.

Mathew Buck said this week that you could ‘see what [the Blues] were going to become,’ when these two sides last met, but tonight capped off their coming-of-age.

It was a true tale of two, as Carlton rode into IKON Park on a wave of confidence while Hawthorn stared down the barrel of consecutive straight sets exits.

The latter unfolded in grim fashion for Daniel Webster’s side, who were unable to withstand an early Carlton onslaught.

Blue Mia Austin claimed the opening goal after a strong lead-up mark and pinpoint set shot.

But Carlton didn’t stop there, piling on 31 first-quarter points off the back of a 18-3 inside 50 differential.

Buck’s side capitalised on Hawthorn’s lack of height – with key talls Lucy Wales, Elli Symonds and Emily Everist sidelined – taking 20 marks to Hawthorn’s six in the first term.

Carlton has nearly doubled its scoring output from last year, with an increased focus on fundamentals paying dividends.

Its ability to find and execute short kicks has taken its game to new heights, and this was on full display in the 4.9 (33) to 11.13 (79) victory.

So much was always going to ride on the contest, and when Hawthorn rectified this area of its game, opportunity followed.

Daisy Flockart ensured the Hawks didn’t go goalless once more, scoring her first AFLW goal in the second term.

And whilst Aine McDonagh and Mikayla Williamson will rue gettable chances, the Hawks never clicked into gear for long enough, and Carlton’s deadly second-term accuracy all but sealed their fate.

The blows continued as Eliza West exited play in the third term and didn’t return after failing a HIA, typifying her side’s 2025 injury woes.

She remained one of Hawthorn’s best, while Tilly Lucas-Rodd led the way with 24 disposals and six tackles.

The Hawks will surely assess their current strength and conditioning program in the off season, whilst their ability to score will also come under the microscope.

Webster has noted Hawthorn’s fundamentals as a reason for their accuracy woes, and after having a front row seat to witness the impact going back to basics has had on the Blues, it will be a good place to start.

Mimi Hill (27 disposals, one goal) was electric for Carlton, who had the top six ranked players afield, whilst Maddy Guerin laid eleven tackles.

First-year stars Poppy Scholz (16 disposals) and Sophie McKay (three goals) lifted once more in scary signs for the years to come, and have both been instrumental in Carlton’s rise from 14th in 2024, to a Preliminary Final.

The Blues will face Brisbane next week – a team who they defeated by 14 points in round three.

HOT START

Carlton was quick to score the first goal of the night – but its dominance didn’t stop there.

The Blues finished the first term +15 for inside 50s, taking 14 more marks than Hawthorn on their way to a 31-0 scoreline.

Mimi Hill was a key player, with 11 disposals and a goal.

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

On the eve of half time, the Hawks had rectified an immense inside-50 differential.

Their ability to score has been an issue which plagued coach Daniel Webster all season, and with 13 scoring shots to Carlton’s 24, it made itself known once more.

Aine McDonagh was evidently hampered by the knee injury she sustained last week, and Hawthorn had no plan B.

FRIENDLY FALCON

A Tilly Lucas-Rodd kick hit an unfortunate, unintended target – teammate Eliza West.

Hawthorn’s best on ground to that point, West exited the contest for a HIA and was later ruled out.

SECOND TIME’S A CHARM?

Andrew McKay was critical of daughter Sophie’s goal celebration last week, so what did she do?

She doubled down.

McKay backed up last week’s fake hamstring injury celebration with a fake elbow injury … followed by a shimmy.

Buck said McKay was “disappointed” with her output against Hawthorn in round two, but tonight’s three-goal haul surely pleased the young star.

She now has seventeen goals to her name.

Ever the entertainer, McKay told Channel 7 post-match her message for the Lions — and coach Craig Starcevich was: “We’re coming for you”.

ICING ON THE CAKE

You’d be forgiven for thinking a Preliminary Final berth was a good enough birthday gift for Carlton captain Abbie McKay, but she begged to differ.

She put the icing on the cake with a clinical goal from stoppage, extending her side’s lead to 33 points in the third term.

The goal celebration gene did seem to skip Abbie, however.

BANNER BANTER

After fans jeered at Hawthorn’s miniscule banner last week, it ensured tonight’s banner made amends.

“Is this big enough?” the noticeably larger banner read.

Originally published as Carlton to face Brisbane Lions in AFLW preliminary final after 46-point win over Hawthorn

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/afl/aflw/carlton-to-face-brisbane-lions-in-aflw-preliminary-final-after-46point-win-over-hawthorn/news-story/3c387d7027bc537136a27ea09785ad0f