Hawthorn secures AFLW win despite Emily Bates knee injury

Hawthorn secured an 11-point AFLW victory over the Western Bulldogs, winning 6.5 (41) to 4.6 (30), but the win was overshadowed by a serious injury to captain Emily Bates. Bates was stretchered off the field at the Kennedy Community Centre after her right leg twisted during a tackle in the third quarter. She is expected to undergo scans to assess the severity of the knee injury.

Despite trailing by 11 points at halftime and losing Laura Stone to a concussion early in the match, Hawthorn surged in the third quarter with five unanswered goals. Aine McDonagh led the attack with a career-best four goals, extending her lead at the top of the league's goal-kicking list. The victory moves Hawthorn into the top eight, surpassing the Bulldogs on percentage.

Coach Daniel Webster praised the team's resilience in maintaining focus following the injury to their leader.