BOX Hill Hawks have edged another stop closer to a top-two finish after defeating Geelong by 50 points at Simonds Stadium on Saturday morning.
The big win keeps the Hawks in top spot on the VFL ladder after Round 18, one match clear of Williamstown and Sandringham, with two rounds to play in the home-and-away season.
However it was far from an easy win for the Hawks.
After opening up a 15-point lead in the first term, the hosts hit back to trail the Hawks by just two points at the major break.
A six-goal-to-two third quarter helped the Hawks take a four-kick advantage at three-quarter time, before a strong finish from the visitors made certain of the win.
The Hawks ran out 19.7 (121) to 10.11 (71) victors.
Hawthorn-listed forwards Sam Grimley and Shem Tatupu finished with six and four goals respectively, while Box Hill Hawks debutant Chris Jones - the nephew of former Australian cricketer Dean Jones - had a dream debut, finishing with a bag of five majors.
Midfielder Jonathan Simpkin and defender Angus Litherland were also named among Box Hill's best players, while Will Langford made his return from a knee injury.
SCORES
GEELONG 1.5 5.7 7.11 10.11 (71)
BOX HILL HAWKS 4.2 6.3 12.4 19.7 (121)
Goals: S. Grimley 6, C. Jones 5, S. Tatupu 4, J. Anderson 3, B. Whitecross
Best: D. Mirra , J. Simpkin , S. Grimley , A. Litherland , M. O'Donnell , C. Jones
*Slider image courtesy of Jenny Owens.
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