Round 22, 2011
Port Melbourne v Box Hill Hawks
by Mark Towson
One more challenge faced the undefeated Port Melbourne side as they took on the Box Hill Hawks at Teac Oval. Although embarrassed the previous week, Box Hill entered the game knowing that their finals spot was not yet guaranteed. They also had a handful of Hawthorn stars desperate to impress Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson as AFL finals near.
1st QUARTER
Box Hill got the dream start when big man Paul Johnson kicked a running goal at the 2 minute mark to get the hawks on their way. One could sense the urgency of the Box Hill team as they controlled possession and got a nice little buffer through goals to Tom Schneider and Taylor Gilchrist.
Port was able to finally get on the scoreboard after 17 minutes when Sam Dwyer kicked truly after a very smart piece of lead up work by forward Dean Galea. Port’s joy was short lived when the skillful Sam Gibson kept the Hawks momentum going by threading a lovely goal from 40m. The Borough looked off their game and with Box Hill having more than double the inside 50s, were lucky to be just 14 points down at the first break.
Patty Rose kicked Port’s only other goal for the term from a nice piece of roving.
2nd QUARTER
The second term was to be one of the most intriguing seen all season. Amazingly no team could kick a goal in perfect conditions for football. Box Hill was playing a style of football that totally negated Port’s usual running game and was frustrating the Borough side into mistakes.
The Hawks game plan was to deny Port the football as they held onto possession with plenty of short passes that went backwards and sideways. It wasn’t pretty to watch but with Port going into half time with only 2 goals it sure was successful.
At the main break Port had plenty to think about and would need to find a way to turn the match back around if they were to stay undefeated.
3rd QUARTER
After no goals in the second term, Box Hill kicked opened its account in less than a minute when it was awarded a free kick after a holding the ball decision in the goal square. Port hit back through Chris Cain as the match began to open up. It was then the turn of Dean Galea to hit the scoreboard as finally Port managed to string consecutive goals together for the first time of the afternoon.
The Borough had lifted and when the Fabian Deluca kicked truly from a free kick the lead was just 2 points in Box Hill’s favour.
Box Hill refused to lie down and Brent Renouf got a steadying goal for the Hawks.
The next 10 minutes were an arm wrestle with both sides desperate at the contest. Box Hill got an important goal through Neil but this was quickly answered by a Chris Cain goal on the run.
The healthy crowd was witnessing another great battle between these two modern day rivals as they went goal for goal. At ¾ time it was Box Hill leading by 5 points.
4th QUARTER
Gary Ayres implored his players to all lift for the final quarter and made a few moves in an attempt to spark the side. Dalton went forward, Sinclair went to the back line and the ball was now in well and truly in Ports court if it wanted to create history and remain undefeated.
The plucky Hawks just wouldn’t go away and were able to kick the first goal after 2 minutes. The crowd were silenced just a couple of minutes later when a Renouf mark and goal had the Hawks out to a 17 point lead. Port looked in trouble but was able to peg back one goal after a bad mix up by the Box Hill defenders.
The Borough edged closer when Dean Galea took a great pack mark and kicked truly for the home side. Dywer, Lynch, Batsanis and Cain all started to fire as Port began to surge and grab the momentum. Lynch in particular was outstanding and seemed to be everywhere.
For the first time of the afternoon Port hit the front after Adrian Bonaddio goaled which was followed up by a major to Malcolm Lynch.
Although Box Hill got a goal back it was followed by Borough goals to Cain and Galea as Port finished full of run to record a historic victory. A 7 goal final term showed why Port will be hard to toss in this year’s finals series.
Gary Ayres and his side of 2011 have become the first side since 1957 to complete a whole home and away season undefeated, an amazing effort.
Shane Valenti was named the ABC man of the match for his great four quarter effort with Chris Cain and Dean Galea leading the scoring with 4 goals each..
A huge crowd is expected on Saturday for Port’s home qualifying final against the Casey Scorpions who have been boosted by a rampaging Brendan Fevola.
Port Melbourne urges all its members and supporters to be in attendance for this crucial clash. The action kicks off from 2.00pm!
Go The Mighty Borough!
PORT MELBOURNE 14-11-95 Def BOX HILL 11-9-75
Port Melbourne
Goal Kickers: C. Cain 4, D. Galea 4, A. Bonaddio , F. Deluca , M. Lynch , S. Dwyer , T. Pinwill , P. Rose
Best Players: J. Baird, T. Pinwill, M. Lynch, S. Valenti, C. Cain, H. Sandilands
Box Hill Hawks
Goal Kickers: B. Renouf 3, B. Neil 2, S. Gibson , P. Johnson , T. Gilchrist , L. Andrews , T. Schneider , T. Northe
Best Players: J. Lisle, P. Johnson, D. Mirra, X. Ellis, S. Gibson, B. Neil
Last Modified on 04/04/2012 20:34