The Sydney FC midfielder had a hat-trick and was seemingly everywhere in her side's 5-0 victory over the Wellington Phoenix.

The Sky Blues were dominant from the opening whistle, Rachel Lowe scoring in the fourth minute to set the tone for the match.

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Hawkesby's first goal came from the spot in the 14th minute, her second an easy tap in in the 29th minute while she had completed her hat-trick before half-time.

It was a homecoming the 21-year-old Figtree talent could never have dreamed of.

"Definitely not (a hat-trick) in the first half," Hawkesby told Paramount+. "I just wanted to get the win to be honest. I'm glad I got a goal and glad we're up.

"This is really special for me, my whole family's here. This is my home town so I'm really thankful to be here."

Hawkesby's parents were thrilled with their daughter's performance and were among the most vocal in the WIN Stadium crowd.

"We're very happy," father Matt told Paramount+. "She's got all her family, friends, half of Wollongong's here to see her play.

"So we're very excited for her and all the girls having a great game."

Sydney FC entered the game yet to lose and sitting on top of the ladder, while the Phoenix were last with one draw and three losses from four games.

The match largely reflected this gulf, the Sky Blues an experienced, well-oiled unit.

Wellington are a young squad that had a limited preparation and while they have improved throughout the first month of the season, Thursday's clash was always going to be a tough ask.

The Phoenix, who are currently based in Wollongong, fought hard, but their opponents were a class above.

Wellington had a handful of chances to strike, however their execution in the face of an organised Sydney FC defence let them down.

While the Phoenix fought hard, they were unable to maintain the intensity for the entire 90 minutes and the Sky Blues made their opponents pay.

Sydney FC attacked relentlessly down the right flank, Wellington struggling for answers.

The margin could easily have been greater if not for Phoenix goalkeeper Lily Alfeld, the captain denying a number of scoring chances.

There was only so much Alfeld could do, the visitors leading 5-0 at the break.

Sydney FC arrived in Wollongong determined to make amends for a disappointing performance against the Wanderers on Monday night.

That clash ended a scoreless draw, Ante Juric's team failing to capitalise on numerous chances.

They rectified those issues on Thursday night, particularly in a ruthless first half.

The Phoenix were much improved in the second 45, their defence holding firm to deny a number a number of Sydney FC chances and ensure there were some positives to take out of the heavy defeat.