Hawthorn Hawks beat Richmond Tigers to win $1 million prize and advance to home final

Hawthorn set up a home qualifying final and the $1 million McClelland Trophy after a 23-point win over Richmond at the Swinburne Centre.

In a perfect final warm-up for both teams, played with high intensity throughout the match, the Hawks struck late to win 6.10 (46) to 3.5 (23).

TIGERS vs. JAKOV Full match coverage and statistics

The victory ended with a stunning goal from Caitlin Ashmore, who intercepted the ball and put a cherry on top of a $1 million sundae.

In the first period, Richmond, kicking in gusty winds, locked the ball in their own attacking half but struggled to find target from 30 meters out and skill errors were also an issue.

It was just five minutes into the second period before the scoring deadlock was broken as Richmond forward Maddie Shevlin fired a shot straight from the pocket. Shortly before this, Aine McDonagh selflessly missed Mattei Brida’s cross, but the ball hit the post.

McDonagh (two goals) and Bec Miller were involved in an intriguing battle, with the pair combining well physically with similar range of shots and Miller also looking to hit the ball as often as possible.

In the third term the game became a ping-pong affair, bouncing between arcs as the Hawks tried again and again to penetrate the Richmond back line, eventually finding a clear path for opener McDonagh.

Lynch’s goal at Punt Road Oval drew rapturous applause, defender Beth converting a rare opportunity while brother Tom watched her 50th game, former Hawk player Tam Luke then making the difference with a solitary lead at the final break.

Mont Conti led the eliminations but had little support with Hawthorn players filling seven of the top 10, Eliza West superbly putting in a hard-fought performance through four quarters.

The Tigers had no answer for Greta Bodie, who ran hard down the flank throughout the match and bravely intercepted the ball in the first period, running back with the ball flying.

Lucy Wales spent some time on the sidelines receiving treatment late in the fourth quarter but returned to the field.

Undisputed game
Richmond crushed Essendon in the toss last weekend, conceding 40 points as the Bombers were well and truly in control of the outside area. It’s similar to what Hawthorne likes to play: drive until it’s time to step on the gas pedal. Although the Hawks only led by nine points, they still had 32 uncontested possessions.

Consequences of the finale
A heavy loss would have seen Hawthorn drop to third and head to Brisbane, but four points means the Hawks will make their first ever final. With Frankston inaccessible due to turf renovations, it will most likely be at Ikon Park. Richmond will be hoping Yartapulty goes down against Greater Western Sydney but is likely to head to Alberton Oval for the elimination final.

Next
Hawthorn will play the qualifying final of their first AFLW finals series when they face Brisbane. Richmond will host a knockout final with an opponent yet to be determined. Match details for Week 1 of the Finals will be confirmed on Sunday following the conclusion of the round.

RICHMOND 0.1 1.2 2.4 3.5 (23)
HAWTHORN 0.2 1.5 2.6 6.10 (46)

GOALS
Richmond: Yasir, Shevlin, Lynch
Hawthorn: McDonagh 2, Williamson, Gilroy, Eardley, Ashmore

BEST
Richmond: Conti, Kelly, Egan, Dempsey, Lynch
Hawthorn: West, Body, McDonagh, Smith, Vukic, Fleming

INJURIES
Richmond: zero
Hawthorn: zero

Reports: zero

Crowd: TBC at the Swinburne Center