Hawthorn Defeats Western Bulldogs in AFLW as Captain Emily Bates Suffers Severe Injury

Hawthorn secured an 11-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in their AFLW clash, but the 6.5 (41) to 4.6 (30) win at the Kennedy Community Centre was overshadowed by a serious leg injury to captain Emily Bates.

Bates was stretchered off the field late in the third quarter after her right leg twisted awkwardly beneath her during a tackle. The 30-year-old midfielder, who celebrated her 100th AFLW appearance the previous week, was expected to be transported to the hospital for further medical evaluation. Hawthorn also suffered an early setback when Laura Stone was ruled out due to a concussion following a head clash.

Match Highlights and Turnaround

Despite trailing by 11 points at half-time after the Bulldogs kicked three of the opening four goals, Daniel Webster's Hawthorn side staged a powerful comeback. The Hawks slammed home five unanswered goals in the third term, four of which came prior to Bates's departure. Irish key forward Aine McDonagh led the charge, kicking a career-high four goals to extend her position atop the league's goal-kicking chart.

Eliza West gathered 24 disposals for the winners, supported by Tamara Smith with 20, Jasmine Fleming with 19, and a strong performance from ruck Lucy Wales. For the Western Bulldogs, Isabelle Pritchard recorded a game-high 31 disposals and eight clearances, while Elisabeth Georgostathis collected 19 touches. The Bulldogs were held scoreless during the decisive third quarter. The victory moves Hawthorn to a 3-2 record, sliding into the top eight ahead of the Bulldogs on percentage.

Gold Coast Claims Victory Over Winless Magpies

In Carrara, the Gold Coast Suns improved to a 3-2 record by defeating Collingwood 9.8 (62) to 4.8 (32). Sunny Lappin kicked three goals to inspire a second-half charge, including two of the Suns' four third-quarter majors. Maddy Brancatisano contributed two goals, while Charlie Rowbottom accumulated 29 disposals and Dekota Baron hauled in a notable mark-of-the-year contender.

Gold Coast's win came with a late incident when Mikayla Nurse sustained a facial cut following a head clash with teammate Lucy Single. Collingwood remains without a win this season at 0-5, despite a 29-disposal performance from Tarni White.

Other AFLW Results

In another Saturday fixture, Geelong defeated Adelaide 57 to 46. Meanwhile, West Coast led Brisbane 39 to 28 during the final quarter of their match.