TNL opens: Hawks seal legacy with third straight crown

The Northern Hawks’ TNL legacy is officially sealed after they sent a retiring legend out in style in Saturday night’s grand final win over Cavaliers.

The enormity of helping the Hawks win a third straight TNL premiership, then announcing she will retire, overwhelmed an emotional Tessa Coote after going out in the best possible style.

The defender was crowned player of the grand final after the 56-48 win over the Cavaliers, and had to pause several times during a teary farewell addressing the big crowd at the Silverdome on Saturday night.

“I’m very emotional and very proud,” the 29-year-old said.

“It’s been a big day, I’m so proud of the girls and it’s a bit of a relief as well. The three-peat is pretty special as it’s something we’ve never done.”

Coote has played in the TNL for a decade, the last six years with the Hawks where she’s helped build a dynasty where they’ve become the most dominant state league level club in Tasmania.

Hawks co-captain Tessa Coote announced she's retiring after winning player of the match in the TNL grand final. Picture: Minch Media

“I let the girls know (before the game I was retiring) and a few said I’m not allowed to, but what a way to go out,” she said.

“It wasn’t an easy decision but we’ve got some great young talent coming through and I thought it was the time.

“You want to leave the club in a better place than when you arrived, and we’re at that place now.

“To be honest it doesn’t mean that much, I’m just glad we won. I just love this club and this team. The win is the best thing.”

Hawk Ellie Marshall jostles for possession. Picture: Minch Media

The Hawks built the win on stifling full court pressure against the Cavs, who also confirmed Zoe Claridge and Keely Atkinson are retiring.

Looking to cap an unbeaten season, the Hawks led 11-4 early and twice built a ten goal lead in the second and third quarters, only for the Cavaliers to respond both times and cut the deficit in half.

The Cavs got as close as three goals early in the final term, but the Hawks held their nerve down the stretch to retain their crown.

The Hawks celebrate their premiership. Picture: Minch Media

Their flawless campaign follows a 2023 season where they lost just once - to the Cavaliers in the qualifying final - before hitting back in the decider.

Five-time TNL player of the year Ash Mawer scored 50 goals in another dominant display from the Hawks goal-shooter.

* For pictures and more reaction, grab Monday’s edition of the paper.