It may be a very different side with all the departures (lost eight of its premiership team), but Port Melbourne continues to dominate the Peter Jackson VFL. The Boroughs won their 25th straight game in what was Port captain John Baird’s 150th VFL appearance and in doing so spoilt the Hawks first home game of the season as Cameron Larkin reports.
Against his old side in Box Hill, Baird and his charges were too hungry and skillful in what was tough game at Box Hill City Oval.
Served up with excellent conditions for football, Port Melbourne got out of the blocks quickly kicking two goals before a Boroughs error provided the Hawks with a major. The match continued to seesaw and the Boroughs took a four-point lead into the first change. Box Hill coach Damian Carroll had one message for his troops during the break, “we need to work harder.”
Both sides came out punching in the second quarter with Dean Galea and Billy Burstin stamping their mark on the game. Port Melbourne was skewiff in front of goal as Galea missed two straightforward shots on target and was duly punished by a Tom Schneider goal. But that’s when it all stopped for Box Hill. Port Melbourne applied the pressure, both physically and on the scoreboard. The Boroughs went into the rooms at the main break with a 7.8.50 to 4.10.34 lead.
The third quarter resembled the first with a long bomb from Burstin, which preceded several goal exchanges from Box Hill and Port Melbourne. Cameron Bruce and Sam Grimley tried their best to keep the Hawks close however Tom Langford had other ideas and drilled one through for the Boroughs. Port Melbourne’s pressure continued in their forward 50 and they missed a late chance. The Boroughs held an 11.10.76 to 7.12.54 lead at the final change.
Port Melbourne’s Garry Ayres spoke about keeping with Bruce who was finding space too easily and the premiership coach was worried about that. Before they broke, Ayres said, “pressure is exposing them”, something that was clearly evident through Sunday’s clash. In the Box Hill huddle, Carroll pleaded to his players that he wanted to “see spirit” and that the Hawks players must “win the effort.”
Marc Lock banged one through for the Hawks early in the final period that followed a Port Melbourne major. It would be Box Hill’s last for the game. Despite leading the Hawks by 30 points, Port Melbourne’s hunger and want for the ball was fuel to the strong Boroughs supporter base. It was Sam Dwyer who put the final nail into the coffin when he kicked a very good running team goal.
Ayres was full of praise in the rooms post-game.
“I am really in awe of what you guys do every week, that’s a pretty slick side out there and with about 155 rotations what you do is really inspiring.
“The traits that you’re developing, the want to win ….. only eight goals let in by the defensive unit, it all speaks of the volume of character at this football club.”
“I’m absolutely blown away by what you guys do.”
On the other side, it was a much quieter environment filled with disappoint and thoughts that it was a game they let slip.
Burstin, Shane Valenti, Sam Pleming and Chris Cain starred for Port Melbourne while Tom Murphy, Taylor Gilchrist, Schneider and Bruce could hold their heads up high.
Port Melbourne will be aiming to keep their win streak alive this week when they take on North Ballarat – the last team to defeat them at North Port Oval - at home. Box Hill host Collingwood at Box Hill City Oval in the ABC TV game.
Photo: Davis Harrigan
Last Modified on 18/04/2012 12:47