An electric final term by Hawthorn’s Sam Grimley in Saturday’s must win clash against Port Melbourne saw Box Hill break their three game losing streak in an exciting come from behind win.

After struggling in recent weeks to regain his early season form that saw him make his AFL debut back in round nine, a three goal final term from the young forward put him back in the Hawks’ best and secured the final margin of 15 points.

The tall forward’s goals displayed his versatility in front of the posts, including a flying mark over an unsuspecting Port player, which he then accelerated away from, covering almost 35 metres to convert in an open goal square.

Other young Hawk Tim O’Brien provided another reliable scoring option successfully filling the gap left by an injured Liam Tobin. He booted three for the day, including the lead grabber in the final term.

As goals piled on at one end, Box Hill’s backline reversed the effect at the other, with Derick Wanganeen making a surprising, but successful move into defence.

The usual suspects of Matt Spangher, Kyle Cheney, David Mirra, Daniel Pratt and Angus Litherland were all outstanding in the backline, winning head coach Damian Carroll’s praise post match.

“Our back six I thought in that last quarter, the amount of times we were able to get it back inside our 50 because they cut of the Port Melbourne exits was really good.”

Box Hill had trailed at every break and for much of the first half had been privy to a skills lesson from an inform and consistent performing Port.

Port’s Dean Galea caused Box Hill trouble early, throwing a spanner in their usually impenetrable defence, he kicked four of Ports six first term goals, giving them a four point lead at quarter time. 

The change of ends brought Box Hill no relief, with poor decision making and undisciplined behaviour by senior Box Hill players gifting Port the first three goals of the second quarter off free kicks.

It took a sickening clash of bodies midway through the third for Box Hill to regroup, as young defender Jordan Kelly was helped to the bench suffering concussion

“Look ten minuets into the third we were pretty ordinary” Carroll said.

“Our ball use was quiet horrific, but thankfully we were able to get better ball use and just open up the game a little bit more and I thought we ran out the game really well.”

Jed Anderson started the third quarter momentum swing, somehow slotting a dribbling goal from the pocket, which was the best contender for goal of the day until the Grimley goal show began.

Three more goals before the quarter was over brought Box Hill back to within seven points and in the end Box Hill wanted it more.

 “It was very important that we won today” Carroll said.

“Credit to the boys particularly in that last quarter, we have been doing a lot of work on the close finishes, which we’ve coughed up three games less then seven points.”

Box Hill: 5.3  3.2  4.2  5.6  17.13 (115)
Port Melbourne: 6.1  5.3  2.4  2.2  15.10 (100)

Best: D. Pratt, M. Lock, M. O’Donnell, D. Mirra, S. Grimley, W. Langford
Goals: S. Grimley 4, T. O’Brien 3, M. Osborne 2, S. Cust 2, D. Pratt, R. Exon, B. Retzlaff, P. Lawlor, J. Anderson, J. Ceglar

34. Jordan Kelly
7 possessions, 2 marks, 3 body spoils

Would have had a much bigger impact on the stat sheet but was taken out of the game early after a knock to the head. Did well in the time he spent on the field.

35. Sam Grimley
14 possessions, 4 goals, 6 marks

An exciting return to form for the young forward, who displayed his ability to take big marks, convert from range and difficult angles. Was also instrumental in setting up other players in scoring positions.

37. Jed Anderson
16 possessions, 1 goal, 7 clearances

After a positive return last week from injury, he had an even greater influence in Saturday’s contest. A clever clearer of the ball from the middle, was one of the leaders that got Box Hill back in the match in the third quarter.

38. Mitch Hallahan
16 possessions, 5 tackles, 4 clearances

After ranking in Box Hill’s best last week, a quieter day from the small mid. Did some good work around the packs and applied good on ball pressure at points.

40. Tim O’Brien
13 possessions, 3 goals, 3 marks

An impressive performance by the youngster whose confidence continues to grow as he gains experience against the more mature bodies of the Senior side. One of the few players who was consistent across the four quarters, with multiple smothers and kicked important goals at key moments.

46. Derick Wanganeen
19 possessions, 5 tackles, 4 handballs

Was successfully switched into Box Hill’s defence during the second half of the day where he provided a quick pair of legs that consistently ran the Hawks out of trouble. Second highest possession getter from the Hawthorn listed players.

47. Jonathan Ceglar
17 possessions, 1 goal, 38 hitouts

Number one ruckman on the ground for the day, in an impressive performance where he showed his versatility around the ground playing in all three areas. Used his large frame to win possession.

61. Angus Litherland
8 possessions, 6 body spoils, 5 tackles

After a quiet week last week, the young defender stepped it up and used his body well to out position and spoil Ports efforts inside 50.  

63. Kyle Cheney
13 possessions, 5 marks, 4 body spoils

Another key player in defence who went about doing his job without question, taking some impressive defensive marks. His time in the Hawthorn senior side has given him an extra confidence boost which was evident by his performance in the tight nature of Saturday’s contest.

65. Will Langford
22 possessions, 9 clearances, 7 tackles

After debuting for Hawthorn last week, he was the most consistent Hawk listed midfielder across the four quarters on the day, finishing the day as number one possession getter. Was pivotal early around the packs, notching up seven clearances before half-time.

67. Matt Spangher
14 possessions, 6 marks, 7 body spoils

A welcome inclusion in the hawks defence after his absence last week. Used his experience to consistently out mark and spoil Port’s attempted entries inside attacking 50 in the final term. Kept his cool in high pressure situations taking an incredible “Spangher hanger” mark in the dying minutes of the game to save Box Hill’s lead.

70. Luke Lowden
8 possesions, 26 hitouts, 3 marks

A better day out than last week in more favorable conditions for the tall man. His rotation through the ruck as a second option when Ceglar was off the ground was excellent. Also provided a good presence in forward 50.

77. Michael Osborne
11 possessions, 5 tackles, 2 goals

Kept Box Hill in the mix in the first term, kicking two goals, but faded as the game went on.