KUWARNA has spoiled Hawthorn’s celebrations in Emily Bates’ 100th game with a resounding 28-point win in the first 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.

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

Star midfielder and captain 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.

Wing 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. 

The visitor'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 Kuwarna 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 Kuwarna  proved too strong in an impressive performance in Dingley.

Kuwarna duo Chloe Bown and Caitlin Gould snagged two goals apiece. 

SCOREBOARD

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