Hawthorn firing for Brisbane AFLW qualifying final

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Hawthorn ******* for Brisbane AFLW qualifying final

Finals debutantes Hawthorn will adopt a “nothing to lose” attitude as they look to upset the AFLW hierarchy.

The Hawks, who completed a remarkable transformation this season by finishing second on the ladder, will host reigning premiers Brisbane at Ikon Park in the second qualifying final.

Under new coach and former Lions assistant Daniel Webster, Hawthorn enter Sunday’s match on an eight-game winning streak.

They have lost only once this season – a 26-point defeat against Adelaide in round three.

Critics point to Hawthorn’s “easy” draw having played only three teams in the top eight as the reason for their success, but defender Tamara Smith swatted that suggestion away.

Brisbane, arguably, have had an easier run, coming up against just two top-eight teams to finish fourth with nine wins and two losses in their premiership defence.

The sides have not met this season, but the Lions hold the upper hand having won their last two fixtures.

“Well, we don’t decide the draw. We had teams that we came up against and at the end of the day we won,” Smith told AAP.

“We’re just excited to have our first final and we’ve got nothing to lose.

“Obviously it can be a bit daunting (not having played Brisbane this year), but we’re just backing in our own system and our own game plan to get the job done.

“I quite enjoy the build-up. I guess the only thing you get is FOMO, like, you will watch the games tonight and you’ll be like, *****, I wish that was me tonight.”

Adding to the challenge, Hawthorn will host their home qualifying final at a venue they have never played before in the women’s competition.

“We’ve never played at Ikon Park so that’s something new for us as a team, so not so much an advantage,” Smith said.

“Maybe the only advantage is that we don’t have to travel … but we’ve been pretty fortunate that we’ve played a lot of different grounds.

“Altering our game plan to fit different ovals isn’t a new thing for us.”

While Smith admits even she is surprised at how far they have come, she ******** bullish about their chances of reaching the decider.

“Our goal was always to make finals. To see it actually happen is incredible and a great testament to the work that a lot of us did,” Smith said.

“You want to look forward because realistically, we’ve put ourselves in a position where we can make the grand final.

“You have to understand what it takes to get to that, but definitely focusing on the process that we need to take to get to the grand final.

“We have to beat Brisbane, and you have to win another final.”

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