Hawthorn’s Grace Baba has made historical past by turning into the primary AFLW participant to be suspended earlier than making her official debut.
Baba, who was chosen by the Hawks in final yr’s draft, was handed a one-match suspension for hanging Richmond’s Laura McClelland in Sunday’s follow match.
The incident occurred off the ball as Baba and McClelland grappled for place deep inside Hawthorn’s ahead line.
Footage from behind the Hawks’ objectives appeared to indicate Baba hanging McClelland within the abdomen together with her proper hand, with the blow dropping McClelland to her knees.
The match overview officer graded the motion a strike with intentional conduct, medium influence and physique contact.
Baba’s suspension means she might be ineligible for choice in Hawthorn’s spherical one conflict in opposition to Brisbane at Springfield Central Stadium in Ipswich on August 17.
Baba’s strike was the one bitter observe to return out of a formidable 37-point win over the Tigers for the Hawks of their remaining follow match earlier than the season will get underway.
Hawks skipper Emily Bates (23 disposals and 7 inside 50s) was dominant alongside Tilly Lucas-Rodd (19 disposals).
Final yr’s main objective kicker, Aine McDonagh, was on music once more, main the Hawks with three objectives, whereas Greta Bodey added two majors.
