Hawthorn celebrates a goal against the Western Bulldogs in round two, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

HAWTHORN has survived an armwrestle to post a seven-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat.

Exploiting an injury-riddled Bulldogs side, the Hawks pipped their opponents 6.10 (46) to 5.9 (39) to snatch their first win of the season – and fourth ever AFLW victory – at Mars Stadium on Sunday.

BULLDOGS v HAWKS Full match coverage and stats

Kirsten McLeod created a fiery start for the Bulldogs by kicking two majors but her efforts went to waste, with the side unable to capitalise on a hard-earned five-point lead at quarter-time.

The Hawks dominated with fast ball movement in the corridor to deliver perfect service to the capable hands of Gaelic football converts Aine McDonagh (one goal, 11 disposals) and Aileen Gilroy (one, nine).

05:34

AFLW Highlights: Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn

The Bulldogs and Hawks clash in round two of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season

Emily Bates (22 disposals, three clearances) was dangerous for the Hawks, while skipper Tilly Lucas-Rodd (21, five) led from the front and kicked Hawthorn's first goal.

But the Bulldogs were unwilling to give up and came out firing in the second half.

A string of goals by former No.1 draft pick Gabby Newton, Sarah Hartwig and Brianna McFarlane gave the Bulldogs a 10-point lead.

00:41

Hartwig threads the needle to put Dogs in front

Sarah Hartwig nails this incredible goal to push her side back in the lead midway through the third term

Ex-Brisbane premiership player Greta Bodey (two goals, 11 disposals) answered the Bulldogs to keep Hawthorn alive, kicking her first goal in Hawks colours to reduce the margin to three points.

02:43

AFLW full post-match, R2: Hawks

Watch Hawthorn's press conference after round two's match against Western Bulldogs

With fatigue setting in, the Bulldogs lacked the composure to withstand the Hawks' pressure as Bridie Hipwell added another major.

04:54

AFLW full post-match, R2: Bulldogs

Watch Western Bulldogs' press conference after round two's match against Hawthorn

Another goal to Bodey sealed the win despite a relentless fight from Bulldogs skipper Ellie Blackburn (20 disposals, nine clearances), Isabelle Pritchard (26, five) and Jessica Fitzgerald (19, three).

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:46

    Hawks fire early through Lucas-Rodd

    Tilly Lucas-Rodd opens their side's account with this brilliant running finish early in the opening quarter

    AFLW
  • 00:52

    McLeod doubles up in hot minute

    Kirsten McLeod nails these two goals in quick succession to give her side the lead

    AFLW
  • 00:29

    Ashmore left winded after brutal bump

    Bri McFarlane delivers this strong bump on Kaitlyn Ashmore late in the second term

    AFLW
  • 00:41

    Hartwig threads the needle to put Dogs in front

    Sarah Hartwig nails this incredible goal to push her side back in the lead midway through the third term

    AFLW
  • 00:36

    Brilliant Bodey bursts clear and delivers dagger

    Greta Bodey lands the winning punch with this snap sealing the match for Hawthorn

    AFLW
  • 05:34

    AFLW Highlights: Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn

    The Bulldogs and Hawks clash in round two of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season

    AFLW
  • 04:54

    AFLW full post-match, R2: Bulldogs

    Watch Western Bulldogs' press conference after round two's match against Hawthorn

    AFLW
  • 02:43

    AFLW full post-match, R2: Hawks

    Watch Hawthorn's press conference after round two's match against Western Bulldogs

    AFLW
  • 10:41

    AFLW Mini-Match: Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn

    Extended highlights of the Bulldogs and Hawks clash in round two of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season

    AFLW

WESTERN BULLDOGS          2.2     2.3     5.6      5.9 (39)
HAWTHORN                         1.3     3.6     4.9     6.10 (46) 

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: McLeod 2, Newton, McFarlane, Hartwig
Hawthorn: Bodey 2, McDonagh, Lucas-Rodd, Hipwell, Gilroy

BEST 
Western Bulldogs: Pritchard, Blackburn, Lamb, Fitzgerald, McLeod
Hawthorn: Lucas-Rodd, Bates, Ashmore, Bodey, Stratton 

INJURIES 
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Hawthorn: Nil 

Reports: Nil

Crowd: TBC at Mars Stadium