KUWARNA has spoiled Hawthorn’s celebrations in Emily Bates’ 100th game with a resounding 28-point win in the first-ever official AFLW match at the Kennedy Community Centre. 

The Crows dominated the match from start to finish, getting the better of the Hawks both inside and outside the contest on the way to a big 10.7 (67) to 5.9 (39) victory.

HAWKS V CROWS Full match details and stats

Ryan Davis’ Kuwarna side controlled the game from the outset, changing gears at will to punish Hawthorn.

Star midfielder Ebony Marinoff worked through some close attention from Daisy Flockart and Laura Stone to finish with 24 disposals, 13 tackles and a goal in what was yet another huge performance from one of the competition’s greatest-ever players.

Winger Maddi Newman continued her impressive start to 2026 with 23 touches, five score involvements and a goal, while Sarah Goodwin (23 disposals) and Teah Charlton (18 disposals) gave Marinoff plenty of support around the footy. 

Kuwarna’s ability to flick the switch from slow and methodical build up to a run and gun type of play was impressive and they ultimately had too many weapons for the Hawks to contend with. 

Davis’ side beat Hawthorn in some key metrics including disposals (+17) and inside 50s (+4), but the Hawks were fantastic around the coalface winning clearances (+10) and contested possession (+20).

The Crows’ defence was staunch all afternoon, constantly repelling Hawthorn’s forays forward and shutting down some of the competition’s most dangerous forwards in Jac Dupuy and Greta Bodey. 

Chelsea Biddell (17 disposals, five marks, six tackles) and Sarah Allan controlled the airways, while Eloise Jones and Jemmika Douglas (15 disposals) provided plenty of drive and rebound out of defence. 

Hawthorn coach Daniel Webster threw the magnets around in the final term to try and generate a comeback, but the Crows proved too strong in an impressive performance in Dingley.

For the Hawks, midfielder Eliza West battled hard all afternoon with 27 disposals and six tackles, while 100-gamer Emily Bates left nothing in the tank with a game-high 28 touches. 

Winger Mikayla Williamson found a fair bit of the footy too with 16 disposals, while Jas Fleming (17 disposals) always looked dangerous with her pace and line-breaking ability. 

Hawthorn forward Aine McDonagh booted three goals with limited supply, while Crows duo Chloe Bown and Caitlin Gould snagged two goals apiece. 

Star Crow shuts down gun Hawk
Chelsea Biddell may just be one of the most underrated players in the competition. A three-time All-Australian, Biddell doesn’t get the same amount of external praise as some of her star teammates, but was one of Kuwarna’s best against the Hawks. Key forward Jac Dupuy has completely reshaped Hawthorn’s front half, but was unable to make an impact on what was a dour day in Dingley for the Hawks forwards. Biddell finished the match with 17 disposals, but it was her shutdown role on Dupuy that was the most impressive part of her game. 

Crow continues All-Australian year
Maddi Newman has been around the traps a while, but she may just be putting together the best season of her AFLW career. Newman has starred on the wing in 2026 and is a crucial part of the way the Crows have moved the ball this year. She’s got elite pace, has used the ball really well and makes sound decisions. Newman has polled coaches’ votes in two out of three games already this season and will likely figure again this week after an instrumental performance against the Hawks, finishing with 23 touches and a goal.

Up next
Hawthorn will look to bounce back when they host the Western Bulldogs at 1:05pm next Saturday, while the Crows will look to make it three wins in a row when they take on the Cats at Unley Oval at 3:05pm that afternoon.

HAWTHORN   1.5    1.7    2.8     5.9 (39)
KUWARNA      4.2    7.5    8.7    10.7 (67)

GOALS
Hawthorn: McDonagh 3, Eardley, Antony
Kuwarna: Bown 2, Gould 2, Marinoff, Waye, Munyard, Newman, J.Allan, Egan

BEST
Hawthorn: West, Bates, Williamson, Wales, Fleming
Kuwarna: Marinoff, Newman, Biddell, Goodwin, N.Kelly, Rasheed

INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
Kuwarna: Nil

Crowd: TBC at Kennedy Community Centre