The Sydney Swans AFLW side have gone down in a 25-point contest with the Hawks this afternoon at the SCG (Friday, July 24).
In the side’s third pre-season hit out ahead of the competition, the Swans fielded a new look side and tested combinations without stars Laura Gardiner, Tanya Kennedy and Zippy Fish.
The Swans started slow as the Hawks built a three goal lead early, before the deficit extended to 21 points at the halfway point.
A spirited third quarter saw goals to young ruck-forward Maddie Quinn and new recruit Taylor Smith as the red and white cut the lead to within reach entering the final quarter. Smith goal was particularly impressive with the forward shrugging defenders before turning and snapping on her left.
Missing experience in the midfield, the Hawks began to take control in the final term. Forward Smith began a spirited red and white fightback, kicking the first of the term, before the away side kicked four in quick succession.
Sarah Grunden kicked a major late, and Smith with her third of the afternoon on the siren as the side went down 5.4.34 to 8.11.59.
Darcy Maloney saw plenty of the footy for the Swans, with a team high 21 disposals while Cynthia Hamilton looked classy and dangerous with 18 disposals.
Morphett looked strong in the ruck, with 23 hit outs and 15 disposals while young Quinn also showed promise with a goal, seven disposals and two marks. Hurley (15 disposals and seven tackles) and captain Lucy McEvoy (9 disposals and six tackles) showed class while defenders Lara Hausegger (14 disposals, two tackles) and Ash Van Loon (13 disposals and nine intercept possessions) were strong against the Hawks forward line.
Sydney will play one more match simulation next Sunday against GWS Giants at Blacktown.
The Swans AFLW season will start on Sunday, August 16 when they face the Adelaide Crows at Unley Oval, Adelaide in Round One.
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