It was always going to take a magnificent effort to end Casey’s unbeaten start to the VFLW season, and Hawthorn produced it in Round 10.

 The Demons persevered valiantly but were ultimately outclassed by a Hawthorn side hellbent on claiming the 39-point victory.

Despite the 7.11 (53) to 2.2 (14) result, defender Rebecca Grant shone down back, amassing 23 possessions and often repelling the Hawks’ attacking thrusts.

While Tahlia Fellows also continued her fine season, Hawthorn’s depth proved too strong when it mattered in the intense contest.

In an exciting first term, the two flag fancies traded goals, with Hawthorn opening proceedings early.

But a classy Caitlin Conroy crumb and dribble goal brought the Demons back into the contest, before Monica Harasimiuk was rewarded for her effort later in the term when she received a 50-metre penalty.

But Harasimiuk’s goal proved to be the Demons’ last in the match, as Hawthorn kicked into another gear to freeze out Casey.

Despite this, plenty of Demons’ players can hold their head high after giving an amazing effort against spirited opposition.

Captain Samantha Johnson (18 disposals, six tackles) was superb through the middle, using her running capabilities and strength to stand out in the centre.

Along with the undeniable Grant, Lucy Wales (19 touches, 15 hit outs) and Eloise O’Connor left no stones unturned in the midfield, while Maeve Chaplin (14 touches) was solid in defence in her second game back from injury.

Coming up against one of the VFLW’s best forwards in Tamara Luke, Tahlia Gillard performed valiantly, always making a contest and forcing Luke to work hard for each opportunity.

After falling behind in the second and third quarters, the Demons held on strongly in the final term, keeping the Hawks to the one goal to ensure no further damage was inflicted.

The loss is no cause for panic for the Demons, who will remain in the top three on the ladder.

Casey will look to rebound from its first loss next week when it faces Collingwood at Casey Fields.

HAWTHORN           2.2       3.5       6.10     7.11 (53)

CASEY                      2.1       2.1       2.1       2.2 (14)

GOALS: Conroy, Harasimiuk

DISPOSALS: Grant 23, Wales 19, Johnson 18, Hogg 17, Chaplin, O’Connor 14

BEST: Grant, Johnson, Chaplin, Gillard, Wales, O’Connor, Harasimiuk