Geelong has consolidated their spot in the top four, continuing their recent winning streak with a solid 51 point win against Box Hill Hawks at Simonds Stadium last Saturday as Kane Hunkin reports.
Entering the game on the back of three consecutive victories Geelong - through the agency of an eight goal to one second quarter - registered win number eight for the season, maintaining the side's current fourth position.
While the scoreboard was reflective of another impressive display from the home team, a third quarter fight back from the Hawks kept the game honest.
Box Hill, buoyed by a round 14 win against the Northern Blues started competitively, with key position target Broc McCauley dangerous when pushing forward.
With the demolished Doug Wade stand now baron, the Barwon River end proved the decisive scoring half throughout the day. The second quarter set-up the win for Geelong – kicking 8 goals to 1 - with the Cats taking a 46 point lead into half-time.
A Jackson Hollmer goal at the twelve minute mark of the third quarter appeared affirming for the Cats. However, Box Hill gathered momentum. A spirited comeback, driven by a six goal burst, cut the margin to just 11 points late in the term. Geelong though would again steady with late goals to Jaxson Barham and Josh Walker. Consequently, a six goal final quarter signed off on another important win for the Cats.
After the game, Geelong coach Matthew Knights believed the contest matched predicted planning.
"Going into the game, we felt it was always going to be a pretty lively game and competitive, and it turned out that way," Knights said in the rooms.
The coach noted that the clean conditions were a contrast to the dour surrounds of the past month.
"The last two weeks have been kick and chase a little bit. Whereas today it was different, it brought the aerial players into the game. Josh Walker had a great day in the air, Orren Stephenson had a great in the air [too]," Knights said.
Additionally, Knights employed an optimistic and pragmatic perspective on Box Hill's resurgence, observing the way his side was able to regain momentum.
"We just had to re-shape a little bit at three quarter time and get our structure right. And we did that after three quarter time and played a really good last quarter. It was great from our perspective for the boys to get challenged and respond pretty diligently in that last quarter," he said.
The win now sees Geelong on a four game winning streak. A point the coach attributes to the commitment of the playing group.
"I couldn't be more proud of the players the way they've played the last month starting with the Port Melbourne game and ending with the Box Hill game today.
"It's a good show of loyalty from all the players. They just lock into the team roles, play hard and are getting reward for it."
Josh Walker (five goals - pictured) continued his significant season, with the key position player alternating between the forward line and ruck. Stephenson again displayed his prominent VFL form, while Jordan Schroder (three goals) and George Burbury were equally important.
Daniel Pratt (three goals) and McCauley (two) presented well for the defeated Hawks, with Cameron Bruce (33 disposals) and Taylor Duryea also among the best.
Geelong faces Collingwood at Victoria Park this Saturday, while Box Hill are again on the road, taking on the Dolphins at Frankston Oval on Sunday.
Geelong 21.13.139 def Box Hill Hawks 13.10.88
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 09/07/2012 09:18