With 60 seconds remaining in Sunday’s clash against Box Hill Hawks and Sandringham, Zebras forward Michael Lourey lined up from 40m out to put his side in front.
He sprayed the shot on goal, allowing Box Hill to escape a close encounter and run out two point winners.
The euphoria from the Hawks players as the final siren sounded-alongside the utter despair from the Zebra troops-highlighted the significance of the game in shaping the top-eight as James Hunter Smith reports.
After 20 rounds Box Hill finds itself sitting in eighth spot on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder, two games clear of Geelong, Sandringham and Coburg.
While mathematically three teams can still round out the top-eight at season’s end, the Hawks are in prime position to play finals for a third straight year.
Box Hill coach Damian Carroll said the round 20 win over the Zebras will help their finals aspirations but admitted his team isn’t secured a spot just yet.
“It’s not definite that we’re playing finals but [the win] should’ve done enough,” Carroll said.
“But until you actually step up, get dressed and play your first final you’re never in.
“I’m not sure on the maths, but I suppose we’re confident.”
Geelong is out of the finals race given its round 21 bye, leaving both Coburg and Sandringham left to try and knock Box Hill of its perch.
The equation is difficult for the Hawks - their final two games of the regular season are against league leaders Williamstown and Port Melbourne.
While such games may seem daunting, Box Hill will fancy its chances after competitive outings against both teams earlier this season.
“[They’re] massive games for us,” Carroll said.
“We thought we challenged both of those teams earlier in the year but it’s been a long time…both squads have changed and [have] different players.”
For Box Hill to bow out of the top-eight both Coburg and Sandringham will need to win all their remaining games and the Hawks to lose both games. Even then it would come down to percentage, with the Hawks boasting a relatively healthy 96.5 %
While Box Hill can still play finals football even if they lose in both rounds 21 and 22, Carroll said he is determined to make it with at least eight wins - not seven.
That would require them to knock off either the Borough or Seagulls in the coming weeks, a feat few people will believe is possible.
“Certainly from our perspective we think we’d like to go in (to finals) thinking we’ve won more than seven games,” Carroll said.
“We’d like to win one of the last two at least to win 8 games and deserve your spot a bit more rather than just hanging on.”
Box Hill play Williamstown at home this Saturday with opening bounce at 1:10pm.
Last Modified on 19/08/2011 11:51