The Hawks enjoyed the majority of the ball and lion’s share of scoring chances in a back-and-forth game, but in the story of the day found it difficult to convert until the last term. 

The hosts were up and about early, quickly slotting four first quarter goals to tee-up an early lead.

The deficit owed little to a lack of effort on the part of Box Hill’s defence though, with a strong and well organised Hawks’ back six keeping Coburg to just six goals total.

As has become custom, Clint Proctor’s rearguard was well led by the likes of experienced hands Stu Horner, Mason De Wit, Hugh Beasley, Damian Mascitti and the developing James Blanck.

Despite 18 scoring shots Box Hill managed just two goals to three quarter time, with those coming via the boots of Ben Cavarra and the debutant, Lachlan Wynd.

However, the brown and gold found a rhythm in the last to storm home for the win, putting through six goals to one to run away with the points; James Parsons kicked two for the term, while Jack Saunders, Jackson Callow, Jaylon Thorpe and best afield Jordan Cunico all contributed singles. 

Despite trailing at every break, the Hawks were +36 in marks, +64 in uncontested possessions and +57 in total disposals at games end – stats which went some way to the tide eventually turning and deciding the arm-wrestle of a game.

On the back of a standout performance, our own Jordan Cunico was awarded the Gibbs-Lions Medal for Best on Ground His consistent efforts around the ball, six inside 50s, 25 disposals and crucial last quarter goal testament to his finest performance in Hawks colours.

In addition to be being judged best afield across both teams with the ANZAC medal, he was named Box Hill’s best player for the day. 

Cal Porter was also among Box Hill’s best. The utility was somewhat of a spark when moved on ball in the second half and finished with 26 touches, seven clearances and seven inside 50s.

Former skipper and reigning best and fairest Damian Mascitti was his reliably outstanding self, finishing with a game-high 27 disposals and six rebound 50s.

Rounding out our best players was Ed Phillips. The classy, hard-running wingman covered every blade of grass at Piranha Park to finish the game with 10 marks, four inside and rebound 50s and 22 total disposals; while Daniel Howe racked up 21 disposals in yet another fine performance at VFL level.

The Hawks will be back at Box Hill City Oval next Sunday, taking on the so-far undefeated Casey Demons as we look to secure our first win at home for the season. 

Best: Cunico, Phillips, Blanck, Howe, Mascitti, Porter. 

Goals: Parsons 2, Callow, Cavarra, Cunico, Saunders, Thorpe, Wynd. 

Disposals: Mascitti 27, Porter 26, Cunico 25, Parsons 24, Phillips 22, Howe and De Wit 21.