Hawks pipped at the post with one-goal loss

It was a finals-like atmosphere when Drouin's A grade side was pipped at the post at Traralgon on Saturday.
The Hawks remain just inside the top five with four sides vying for fourth and fifth position on the ladder.
A grade: Drouin 41 lost to Traralgon 42
This was a fight for finals contention for both teams, and what a fight it was.
After a tight first quarter, every Drouin player worked tirelessly to create turnovers in the second quarter to give Drouin a three-goal lead at half-time.
Traralgon hit back in the third quarter, and the margin was just one goal going into the last quarter.
The final quarter had it all; long bombs, fantastic intercepts, relentless body contact, intensity at the ball and pressure personified. Both teams had plenty of side line support, with many vocal spectators getting involved to add to the pressure-cooker atmosphere.
Unfortunately, Drouin was pipped at the post on the final siren.
They will now focus their attention on another crucial, tough match against neighbours and rivals Warragul on Sunday.
Awards: Stacie Gardiner and Ruby Pratt.
B grade: Drouin 37 lost to Traralgon 62
Drouin had a solid start, matching it with top five side Traralgon.
The hard work at training on set plays and ball movement was paying dividends. Seeing that transferring to game day was very pleasing for coach Mel Ahearn.
Georgia Henderson made the most of her opportunity to run the centre in the first half, feeding the goalers with great precision.
Unfortunately, Drouin struggled in the middle of the match to limit Traralgon's scoring rate. To their credit, the Hawks were able to regroup in the final quarter to be very competitive again.
Goalers Tess Mapleson and Chelsea deRiter were more comfortable in the ring, capitalising on their many opportunities.
Needless to say, Drouin will be working on maintaining their structures for the whole four quarters in future.
Awards: Georgia Henderson and Chelsea deRiter.
C grade: Drouin 27 lost to Traralgon 41
Set a tough game against quality opposition, the Hawks were intent from the start on getting the win.
Drouin's starting seven fought hard and were in with a fighting chance. Grace Henderson made her presence felt, contesting everything in defence and making the Traralgon attack rethink their moves.
In attack, Georgia Lightowler and Emily Bethune communicated well.
Changes at each quarter brought on some fresh legs, and Emily Dash didn't disappoint with her strong leads down court and great feeding into the goal ring.
Unfortunately, it was a loss for the C Grade girls, but they will be even more determined to get the four points next week.
Awards: Emily Bethune and Emily Dash.
17 and under: Drouin 20 lost to Traralgon 49
The 17s, like all junior teams, played a tall and amazing Traralgon side.
Drouin's first half was far from their best despite their efforts. However, the Drouin girls switched it up in the second half.
They changed the way the ball was thrown in attack, hitting their targets. And, in defence, Drouin used their smarts to put themselves in position to pick off passes.
It was pleasing to see the girls start to communicate and work as a team. Unfortunately, the lead was too significant for Drouin to catch up, but the second half was a much improved effort from the whole team.
Awards: Matilda Carroll and Rachael Turner.
15 and under: Drouin 3 lost to Traralgon 83
It was a tough day out for the Hawks against a very tall Traralgon side.
Drouin's defence end put in the work, with Mylie Stoll and Sienna Arbon rebounding any missed shots. Sienna showed great versatility, switching from goals to defence, and stepping up to the challenge.
Drouin's midcourt was under a lot of pressure but battled through. Jamison Thomas, Adah Dennis and Tayla Mitchelutti worked hard to get around their defence and bring the ball down to the shooters.
Bella Tangipo and Fiona Nalder worked together in the goal ring to get front position against some very tall defenders.
Looking ahead, last time Drouin played Warragul, scores were tied. Drouin will be hoping for their first premiership points for season 2022 on Sunday.
Awards: Sienna Arbon and Adah Dennis.
13 and under: Drouin 8 lost to Traralgon 61
Drouin was challenged right from the start, with Traralgon sitting on top of the competition.
However, the Drouin girls continued to work hard and were able put their training processes out on court.
Amber Hammond had a great game in goal keeper, shutting down her opponent with tight one-on-one pressure. She then showed great versatility, moving into goals to score four goals.
Dillon Jagoe was impressive in defence, getting many turnovers.
Awards: Amber Hammond and Dillon Jagoe.