Hawthorn looked home against West Coast when Irishwoman Aine McDonagh kicked her first career goal midway through the final term on Friday night to put the hosts up by eight points.
But a magnificent Aimee Schmidt set shot from the boundary line shortly after got the Eagles back within two.
It ensured a tense finish to the match in Frankston but the Hawks hung on to win 6.8 (44) to 6.5 (41).
Hawthorn slipped 18 points behind in the first quarter but, just as they did against Sydney last week when they trailed by four goals, fought back admirably.
And it was the inspired decision to move Duffin up forward in the second term which proved decisive.
She hadn't kicked a goal for more than three years, but she booted three of her team's four majors for the period to put them up by eight points at the major break. And from there were able to keep the Eagles at bay.
After losing their first four AFLW games, the Hawks have now won back-to-back matches and the expansion club are just one win outside the top eight.
The win was soured, though, by the report of key forward Tegan Cunningham whose name went in the book in the last quarter for engaging in rough conduct with West Coast's Charlotte Thomas courtesy of a late bump.
After quarter time, Hawthorn's pressure was outstanding, and they comprehensively out-tackled West Coast 83-58, while also enjoying a sizeable advantage in inside 50s (30-21).
Duffin had 12 disposals to go with her three majors. Aileen Gilroy also played a key role for the Hawks with 15 touches (10 contested) and 10 tackles, as did captain Tilly Lucas-Rodd with 14 disposals, six tackles and a goal.
Lucas-Rodd's opposite number Emma Swanson was outstanding for the Eagles with 28 touches (14 contested), seven clearances and a goal, while Isabella Lewis (10 tackles) also tried hard with 24 touches (18 contested), nine clearances and a goal.
The visitors made the most of the strong breeze in the first quarter, kicking the opening three goals in just nine minutes.
After Duffin single-handedly turned the tide in the second term, as the Hawks registered all 15 inside 50s for the quarter, the momentum shifted back West Coast's way in the third, and a clever Jaide Britton goal levelled the scores.
But despite having the breeze at their backs, a couple of missed set shots from Swanson and Kate Bartlett prevented them from wresting back the lead.
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