Hawks break finals curse with upset win over Gold Coast
Hawthorn beat Gold Coast 57-39 to win their first AFLW finals game.
The Hawks proved their doubters wrong. A commanding third quarter broke open a tight contest against the Suns on their home ground.
The Hawks won by 18 points and will face Carlton in the semi-final. Coach Daniel Webster said the group's confidence had been building.
He reminded critics of a key fact: Hawthorn are the only team to beat North Melbourne this year. They ended the reigning premiers' record-breaking undefeated run back in round six.
After weathering two agonising finals exits in 2024 (Brisbane and Port Adelaide) and 2025 (North Melbourne and Carlton), the Hawks finally broke through.
- 57-39
- Final score
- 18 points
- Winning margin
- Round six
- North Melbourne loss
Why it mattersThis win proves Hawthorn can compete at the highest level and gives the club real hope of a genuine finals run, not another first-round exit.
AustraliaVictorian AFLW fans have a new genuine contender, and Hawthorn's women's program has finally arrived in the finals conversation after years of near-misses.
