Hawks Face New Injury Worries Ahead of AFLW Semi
Hawthorn is dealing with fresh injury concerns after a heavy 39-point loss to North Melbourne in the AFLW qualifying final. Key players Kaitlyn Ashmore and Aine McDonagh sustained injuries during the game.
Injuries Impact Key Forwards
Ashmore and McDonagh are headline cases among the Hawks’ injured, following their defeat to the reigning premiers at Princes Park on Friday night. The Hawks were held goalless and managed only three points, pushing them into a sudden-death semifinal.
Upcoming Semifinal Match
Hawthorn now prepares to face the winner of the elimination final between Carlton and West Coast, with that match set for Saturday afternoon at Princes Park.
Match Events and Injuries
- Hawks fought strongly to stay close to the undefeated Kangaroos early on after a previous 49-point loss.
- In the third quarter, injuries began to affect the Hawks as luck turned against them.
- Ashmore first injured her right calf.
- Emily Everist was assessed for concussion following a tackle by Kangaroos forward Tahlia Randall.
- Young defender Laura Elliott suffered a chest injury in a collision with Vikki Wall.
- McDonagh was knocked in the right knee after a heavy hit from Erika O'Shea.
Player Status in Final Quarter
Elliott, Everist, and McDonagh returned to play in the final quarter, while Ashmore remained sidelined.
"Kaitlyn Ashmore and Aine McDonagh headline Hawthorn's fresh fitness concerns after the star forwards suffered injuries in the 39-point loss to the reigning premiers at Princes Park on Friday night."
Hawthorn faces challenging times as injuries compound the task ahead in the sudden-death semifinal.