BOX HILL Hawks have returned to the winners’ list, defeating North Ballarat at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday.
The Hawks were too strong from the outset, with an impressive opening term setting up the 12.18 (90) to 9.9 (63) win against the Roosters.
Goals to Patrick Lawlor (two), Jonathan O’Rourke and Chris Jones allowed the Hawks to open up a 21-point lead at quarter the time.
The Hawks were challenged in the second term – with the visitors fighting back to cut the deficit to just 10 points – but were able to hold the Roosters at arm’s length after half-time.
Leading by 18 points at the final change, the Hawks had plenty of opportunities to put the game beyond doubt – kicking 4.7 – before running out 27-point winners.
Named among the best for Box Hill were Hawthorn-listed players Angus Litherland and Kieran Lovell, plus Lawlor, Jones, Max Warren and captain David Mirra.
Draftee Lovell, the No.22 selection in last year's NAB AFL Draft, relished the wet conditions with 31 disposals and six clearances.
Hawks coach Marco Bello told AFL.com.au on Sunday that Lovell was "instrumental" in the 27-point win.
"(He's) a hard, contested player that put his nose down on the ground, and he fought really hard and impacted with clearances," Bello said.
Experienced campaigner Brendan Whitecross also stood out with his 24 possessions and five clearances.
"He was used across all three lines at different periods of the game so with his experience, he was important for us," Bello said.
Lawlor and Jake Summers were the only multiple goal-kickers, finishing with two each, while O’Rourke, Blake Hardwick and Kaiden Brand were among eight other players to kick a major.
The win moves the Hawks into third place on the VFL ladder, ahead of their Round 10 clash with Northern Blues at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday.
BOX HILL HAWKS 4.4 6.8 8.11 12.18 (90)
NORTH BALLARAT 1.1 4.3 6.5 9.9 (63)
Goals
Box Hill: J. Summers 2, P. Lawlor 2, L. Kidd, D. Mirra, C. Jones, K. Brand, J. O'Rourke, B. Hardwick, J. Soccio, M. Warren
North Ballarat: S. Hooper 2, A. Hooper 2, M. Eagles, T. Schnerring, L. Kiel, L. Cassidy, L. George
Best
Box Hill: A. Litherland, P. Lawlor, K. Lovell, C. Jones, M. Warren, D. Mirra
North Ballarat: O. Stephenson, L. George, R. Marshall, N. Rippon, L. Kiel, T. Templeton
