By Daniel Dufty
The Box Hill Hawks moved back into the top four after narrowly defeating Frankston by nine points.
A late goal by Adem Yze in the 27th minute of the final term assured the victory after a long, close tussle between the sides.
Beau Muston was outstanding for the Hawks with 30 disposals, while Co-Captain Lukas Markovic led Box Hill in defence with 20 touches.
Marcus Marigliani through the midfield was the best for the Dolphins with Matthew Davis while Justin Berry kicked three goals.
Box Hill’s lack of emotion after the final siren showed a team in full control of their own destiny knowing to take it one week at a time, rather than getting into full voice after just another victory.
Long and Narrow, Frankston Park loomed as a troubling ground for the Hawks with Frankston looking to use their local knowledge to advantage. But the visitors were able to work out the Dolphin’s game-plan.
With a swirling breeze, the match got underway with an even spread of the football and forward presses by both sides.
Flying shots by the Dolphins finished off-line and kept Box Hill in the match as Frankston led by seven points at the first break.
As Frankston opened-up the margin, Ben Smithwick got the ball rolling for the Hawks in the second reducing the deficit to 12 points. Following a string of goals to Lisle, Morton and Pedersen, who kicked a brilliant long goal from the right-forward pocket, the Hawks took an 8-point lead at the half.
Frankston forward-pocket Justin Berry placed through two goals in the third and looked likely to set a trend for the Dolphins. But Beau Muston with a goal after the third term siren made certain the Dolphins had a fight on their hands after the Hawks trailed by nine points with a quarter remaining.
A 10-point difference troubled the Hawks for over five minutes in the final term until they were able to constrict the Dolphins scoring and move to the lead in the 15th minute with a long range fifty-metre drop punt by Jarryd Morton.
Cameron Stokes set-up Co-Captain Steve Kenna and his goal left the Hawks with an 11-point lead. It may have been enough at the 19th minute but a snap goal by Clinton Proctor ensured the Dolphins were in with a sniff.
Then Adem Yze, with a crumbling goal off the pack in the Hawks forward line, kept the Hawks in front giving them their 10th victory.
Beau Muston with his 30 disposals worked tirelessly moving the ball around the ground while kicking two well-deserved goals.
Co-Captain Lukas Markovic again had a polished four-quarter performance with 20 disposals including 10 marks as the leader in the Hawks defence clearing everything in his path while disabling Frankston’s forwards of an easy entry into goal.
Sam Iles continued his good form with 24 disposals with Riley Milne (24) and Haydn Kiel (21) also solid contributors.
Max Bailey returning well from injury the last few weeks again took control in the ruck with 31 hitouts and collected 12 touches.
Jordan Lisle presented constantly up forward and was rewarded with three goals for the Hawks.
With Marigliani, Davis and Berry, Clinton Proctor was always lively with two goals while Mark Baguley added to the Dolphins best with Frankston’s midfield very impressive against the Hawks outfit.
Box Hill also welcomed Brent Wallace son of Terry who had his first run for the Hawks wearing the No.3 who regularly plays for the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup.
Box Hill last won 10 matches or more in a home and away season back in 2004 under Andy Collins.
Posting their tenth victory on the board is a great achievement for Brendon Bolton and his players who break a five year drought.
Box Hill moves into 4th position on the VFL Ladder after both Casey Scorpions and Northern Bullants lost on the weekend.
Next week, Box Hill host Bendigo Bombers in a must win match to stay in the top four.
While Frankston travel down to Trevor Barker Beach Oval to take on Sandringham who come off a heavy loss to Geelong.
Frankston: 3.3 / 5.3 / 10.8 / 11.11.77
Box Hill Hawks: 2.2 / 6.5 / 9.5 / 13.8.86
Box Hill Hawks Goals: J. Lisle 3, A. Yze 2, B. Muston 2, C. Pedersen 2, B. Smithwick, S. Savage, J. Morton, S. Kenna
Best: B. Muston, S. Iles, H. Kiel, S. Savage, L. Markovic, M. Bailey
Frankston Dolphins Goals: J. Berry 3, C. Proctor 2, M. Davis 2, M. Burns 2, N. Winterton, T. Shinners
Best: M. Marigliani, M. Davis, M. Baguley, J. Magner, J. Berry, T. Shinners
Last Modified on 10/08/2009 16:04