HAWTHORN and Geelong meet in the VFLW Grand Final on Sunday, with both aiming for their maiden premiership

Hawthorn v Geelong
12.30pm AEST, Sunday, September 23
Marvel Stadium, Docklands
Live stream: Click here

Hawthorn completed the home and away campaign with 12 wins and two losses to finish second on the ladder.

The Hawks conjured multiple wins from tough positions throughout the season, with a stretch of games from rounds 8-12 each decided by fewer than 10 points.

A surprise 11-point win against minor premier Collingwood a fortnight ago gave the Hawks an extra week’s preparation for Sunday’s decider.

Hawthorn’s team is full of AFLW experience, headlined by forwards Sarah Perkins and Phoebe McWilliams. The pair has booted 19 goals between them this season.

The nous of veterans Meg Hutchins and Emma Mackie in the engine room will be pivotal for the Hawks, as they line up against a young, speedy Cats midfield.

After missing the finals in 2017, Geelong was undefeated in the first seven rounds this season and amassed 10 wins to finish in fourth spot.

Narrow wins against the Northern Territory Thunder (by nine points) and Collingwood (14) in its two finals earned Geelong a Grand Final berth.   

The Cats are primed for their first AFLW season in 2019 and its young players such as Nina Morrison and Olivia Purcell have impressed the most in 2018.

Kate Darby and Mia-Rae Clifford are Geelong’s best avenues to goal, with them kicking 16 and 15 goals respectively this season.

Geelong’s game style is built around run and carry, which is in contrast to the way the Hawks like to play. Paddy Hill’s side relishes contested possession and playing with an open forward line.

The two sides met in round 16 at Box Hill City Oval and the Hawks prevailed by 16 points.

A three-goal to one outburst in the second term propelled Hawthorn to victory. Greater Wester Sydney’s Rebecca Beeson starred with two goals and 22 disposals for the Hawks.