Box Hill City Oval will showcase a battle between the Box Hill Hawks and Werribee Tigers this Saturday as the two teams fight to secure a spot in the top four.
The Hawks currently reside in fifth position on the Peter Jackson VFL Bailey Ladders ladder, only two rungs below Werribee. With one win separating the Tigers from the Hawks, this round could produce a significant shift in the top eight rankings.
Box Hill Hawks Coach Damian Carroll is pleased with the side he has been fielding, as he should be after a 116 point demolition of Collingwood last weekend.
“I think we had a good mix of experience and youth in the side and were able to get on top in the 2nd quarter which put pressure on them and gave our players confidence.”
The Hawks had the luxury of combining brilliant VFL listed players such as David Mirra and Luke Andrews with seasoned AFL stars including Luke Hodge and Chance Bateman.
With Box Hill’s AFL affiliate Hawthorn experiencing season high form, it is unlikely that Carroll’s side should alter much in Round 18. However, the side will be without star Cameron Bruce who has hung up the boots after 234 AFL games due to a back injury.
The Box Hill Hawks will see the valuable addition of Xavier Ellis to their list this weekend as he makes his way back from a knee injury. The injury prone midfielder was originally selected number three in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft by Hawthorn and will present as an effective member of the team if he can maintain his health.
Carroll believes that the inclusion or exclusion of AFL players has been managed well and his game plan this season has run accordingly.
“Our rotations haven't altered too much at all since the start of the season. We still have players move through each area of the ground and aim to play about 80% game time. Sometimes when players are coming back from injury then we have to adjust this game time for them.”
The Hawks have developed an impressive depth to their team that see’s numerous goal kickers put a score on the board week in and week out. With the list changes that can occur for AFL aligned clubs come finals, this depth should hold Box Hill in a promising position.
“It's always a good thing to have a spread of goal kickers in your side. I'm not worried about who gets on the end of the goal as long as we can create enough opportunities throughout the day.”
Carroll has acquired a comprehensive understanding of his opposition and understands where the Tigers possess their strength.
“They are a very good side and have shown excellent form throughout the season at both VFL and Foxtel Cup level. They have a quality forward line that we need to keep in check and certainly cut their supply,” Carroll said.
Werribee enters this decisive match looking to bounce back after a shock two point loss to Williamstown. Coach Scott West doesn’t believe the game was in the bag like many people have suggested.
“I think from a ladder point of view a lot of people would have picked us to win but I know enough about Williamstown and their coach to know that it was always going to be a difficult game. There is no doubt that we didn't take our opportunities early to put real scoreboard pressure on them and they managed to stay in the game and still in striking distance of the lead.
“Eventually they were able to take their opportunities and get ahead. We had one last shot to win but unfortunately hit the post and then couldn't get the ball back.”
Saturday’s match will see the inclusion of Hamish McIntosh who will be making his return from a three-month knee injury. Due to the longevity of the injury, McIntosh may spend some time in the Peter Jackson VFL to gather some fitness and touch.
Werribee went head to head with this weekend’s opponents in Round 3 which resulted in a surprising 40 point win for Box Hill. West has critiqued the vision leading into this encounter.
“Box Hill really moved the ball well last time we played them so we need to really pressure the ball carry and make sure they don't have easy targets up the ground to hit.”
This weekend presents Werribee with the opportunity to secure a top four spot, but it also provides a prospect of dropping into the large pool of opponents looking to obtain a double chance come finals.
“The win this week is really important, looking at the top eight there is not much in it so to get that top four spot you just have to keep winning,” West said.
Box Hill Hawks vs Werribee Tigers
Saturday 28th July - 2pm
Box Hill City Oval
Live on 3WBC
Last Modified on 27/07/2012 13:06