THE Box Hill Hawks asserted themselves as a genuine premiership contender following their commanding 72-point victory over Essendon at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday, as Damian Watson reports.
After the eight minute mark of the first term, the Hawks never relinquished the lead and dominated proceedings as they registered their third consecutive victory. The win elevates the club into second position on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder and secures a double chance ahead of the VFL finals series.
Box Hill Coach Damian Carroll was satisfied by the intensity and effort displayed by his team throughout the entire match.
“It was undoubtedly as good a performance as we’ve had all year,” he said.
“It wasn’t necessarily an experienced side, we had to cover for the players we had out. I thought our hardness around the ball today was as good as it has been through the season and that put us in good stead for our victory”.
Box Hill acting captain David Mirra told 3WBC radio that he was also “thrilled” with the comprehensive win.
“Today was just about focusing on momentum and solidifying a spot in the top four,” he said.
Despite the absence of key defender Matthew Spangher, the Hawks were steadfast in defence and significantly cut the supply towards the Essendon forward line. In the first half, the Bombers had only registered a solitary major as they struggled to find scoring avenues.
Hawks Coach Damian Carroll praised the performances of his players in the back half.
“It was an enormous defensive effort, they were able to play their role and do their job,” he said.
Box Hill defender Angus Litherland accumulated disposals at will and restricted potent Bomber forward Joe Daniher to two goals, despite an obvious height disadvantage.
“We expected Angus to have a big job on Daniher, he probably gives away 15 cm but he had an enormous game,” Carroll said.
Kyle Cheney (24 disposals) continued his stellar 2013 form with an impressive display across half-back, providing pace and drive while negating the influence of imposing Essendon forward Stewart Crameri.
“I thought Cheney’s game was enormous because he won a lot of the ball and took a lot of marks off the opposition’s boot,” Carroll said.
Dalton Graham proved to be a dangerous forward for the Hawks as he converted four goals for the match and judged the play well in the attacking zone. Tim O’Brien also provided marking power up forward, as he contributed three goals to the Box Hill total.
Sam Iles (27 possessions) was integral around the centre stoppages while orchestrating swift running ball movement for the Hawks through the corridor.
Regular Hawthorn senior player Liam Shiels played through the match unscathed for Box Hill after returning from an ankle injury.
“I thought he (Shiels) was good, he plays a fairly selfless role,” Carroll said.
“He was able to take Elliott Kavanagh out of the play and with 16 possessions plus one goal at the end while playing 75% of the game, it was real step forward for Liam”.
Hawks ruckman Luke Lowden was also serviceable by winning 18 hitouts against seasoned Essendon ruckman David Hille and claiming 17 disposals around the ground.
The only negative for the Hawks proved to be their inaccuracy in front of goal. Box Hill registered 21 behinds for the game and at times failed to capitalise on gettable scoring opportunities.
“Our scoreboard pressure was pretty telling but as we head towards the finals we have to ensure that we don’t give sides an opportunity to get back in the game,” Carroll said.
However, the coach believes that the side has returned to peak form as the end of the home and away season looms.
“Today we were really able to get back to our early season form levels and execute a really good performance,” Carroll said.
Next Sunday, the Box Hill Hawks will be aiming to claim their 12th victory for the season when they travel to Mantello Holden Oval and clash with Coburg.
Photo: Jenny Owens
Last Modified on 15/08/2013 12:33