Fremantle forward Aine Tighe produced the game of her career against Hawthorn on Saturday, turning the match with four goals and ensuring inaugural captain Kara Antonio retired on a high with a five-point win.

Tighe was brilliant after a goalless spell, dragging Freo back into the game with a big second quarter and then driving them home with two brilliant later goals to seal the 7.7 (49) to 7.2 (44) win.

Her final goal was a brilliant right-foot snap from outside 50 that put Freo 10 points clear as they then resisted a late charge in the final minute from the Hawks to win their third game this season.

Tighe was the star, but Antonio was the sentimental favourite, returning from a season-long hamstring injury to boot two goals herself in an emotional farewell that inspired her team.  

Fellow trailblazer Kiara Bowers was exceptional and lifted for the occasion, getting better as the game went on to finish with 34 disposals (16 contested), 22 tackles and eight clearances.

While the Fremantle Dockers ended their disappointing year on a high, the retirement of Hawthorn vice-captain Jess Duffin was soured after the Hawks let a lead slip.

Both champions were carried from Fremantle Oval through a guard of honour, in a nice ending to an entertaining clash.  

The first ever AFLW meeting between the two teams started in a memorable way when Duffin booted the first goal with an impressive mark and snap set shot.

Hawthorn continued to lock the ball in its forward half and built a 13-point lead at the first break, dominating the forward entries 12-3 as Tilly Lucas-Rodd controlled the midfield with eight first-quarter touches.

Freo took advantage of the breeze in the second quarter, however, and Tighe capitalised on her height, taking three marks, including a big contested grab to set up her first goal.

The 30-year-old's second came when she attacked a loose ball and spun onto her right foot to snap accurately and help the Freo Dockers take a one-point lead into the main break.  

Hawthorn looked like the winner in the third quarter when they booted three consecutive goals to build a 17-point lead, but Freo were ignited when Kara Antonio kicked the first of her goals from a set shot deep in the term.