Hawthorn star Aileen Gilroy is reaping the rewards of a strict goalkicking regimen as her finishing skills loom as vital for the Hawks in a potential $1 million game in Cairns.
The Hawks are within reach of the McClelland Trophy and its significant cash prize with a narrow lead over Brisbane heading into Thursday night’s clash against Melbourne.
The Demons have their own strong incentive, with two wins from their final two games likely needed to force their way past Port Adelaide or Essendon into the top eight.
Irish star Gilroy has only once been nominated for goal of the year this season (in round 2) but has produced several high-class finishes in a haul of 6.2 from her last two games.
Hawthorn coach Daniel Webster said the 31-year-old, who has booted 13 of her 20 career goals in nine games this season, had worked relentlessly to earn the plaudits coming her way.
“You need players who can make something out of nothing. Gilly puts a lot of time into her craft, and I think out of anyone, she probably spends the 파워볼사이트 most time kicking goals, and has done in the time I’ve been (at Hawthorn),” Webster said after the Hawks’ win over GWS on Saturday.
“She’s been amazing this year. I can’t speak highly enough of her year, both from impact on the scoreboard, and also the pressure and work rate she’s able to give us on the half-forward line.”
Hawks midfielder Mattea Breed said Gilroy might have felt “embarrassed” by the attention on her big goal celebrations and footage of her overzealous warm-up routine, but her energy was infectious.