Hawthorn beats Fremantle by 15 points as gritty performance proves AFLW top-four credentials

Hawthorn has overcome the absence of injured captain Emily Bates to give its AFLW top-four hopes a boost with a spirited 15-point win over Fremantle.

Lucy Wales and Eliza West stepped up as the Hawks prevailed 5.3 (33) to 2.6 (18) at Frankston Park on Thursday night.

Wales (20 disposals, 20…