The VFLW Blues encountered their first draw of the year after a hard-fought contest against Hawthorn at Latrobe University.

The Hawks led at every change before the Blues put on an almighty comeback after two goals from Bry Gurr in the final term.

In windy conditions, the Blues pushed hard all day but couldn’t get the score they needed to secure their second win of the season.

The Blues had to work hard right from the beginning, as the ball was trapped inside the Hawk’s forward 50 during periods of the quarter. Emerson Woods ran hard and delivered the ball well out of defence, while co-captain Nat Plane was lively as usual. It was Sarah Hosking who got the breakthrough for the Blues, finishing off with the goal after an assist from the returning Chloe Dalton.

Carlton created plenty of scoring opportunities in the second quarter but just couldn’t quite capitalise on the scoreboard. Courteney Bromage used her penetrating kick to give the Blues plenty of opportunities inside 50. Bry Gurr creates two opportunities on goal but unfortunately just missed the target, but the forward showed great promise leading and marking well. Sarah Hosking won plenty of the ball, and made her presence felt around the ground.

Despite the worsening conditions, the Blues continued to work hard in the third term. Mia-Rae Clifford impressed with her strong marks, while Gab Pound demonstrated great composure in defence. The Hosking sisters were prolific with the ball in hand while Sarah Wright continued to create opportunities. Marnie Jarvis’ pressure lifted, with the opposition definitely feeling the full force of her presence.

Bry Gurr took the game into her own hands in the final term, kicking two goals, with her second giving the Blues the lead for the first time in the contest. A reply from the Hawks saw the scores tied in the last quarter and, despite the Blues’ best efforts led in particular by Nat Plane, they were unable to break the deadlock by the final siren.

“Bry was fantastic. She played down forward and then had a run through the midfield.

“Her ability to kick a late goal under pressure to even the score was really good.

“She’s continued to mature as a player and just improves each game. “

CARL: 1.0, 1.3, 1.5, 3.6 (24)

HAW: 1.5, 2.6, 2.6, 3.6 (24)

Goals:

Gurr 2, S Hosking

Best:

Gurr, Dalton, Pound, Plane, Clifford, S Hosking