Box Hill has been knocked out of the VFLW finals at the hands of Essendon, succumbing to a 4.7 (31) to 3.3 (21) defeat at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Hawks were slow to start, with Essendon repeatedly propelling the ball into their forward 50. 

Nadia von Bertouch was strong in defence though while the usual suspects Grace McRae and Jordan Mifsud won the ball at the source. 

At the end of the first term, it was the Bombers by eight, thanks to a strong breeze favouring the pavilion end of the ground. 

In the second term, the Hawks were kicking with the wind and immediately got their first score on the board within the first minute. 

A centering kick then saw Mifsud get Box Hill’s first goal of the day, making no mistake from a snap directly in front. 

After that, Nicole Garner got on the board with a beautiful, long-range set shot. 

A strong mark from Cassie Davidson contributed to the reward, which put the Hawks in front. 

Unfortunately, Essendon bounced back with a late goal to end the first half, taking a slim one-point lead into the main break. 

The Bombers commenced the third quarter with an important major, putting them six points in front with the breeze. 

However, the Hawks continued to show fight with Ellie McLinden leading the way. 

At the end of the third term, it was Essendon by nine points. 

The Hawks had one quarter left to play for their season, kicking to the breeze in front of a proud brown and gold crowd. 

Molly Simpson delivered with a crucial goal to open proceedings, finishing it with a passionate celebration. 

But after that, the Bombers outplayed the Hawks, kicking a major after the siren to seal their fate and end Box Hill’s season.

Goals: Garner, Mifsud, Simpson 

Disposals: Mifsud 21, von Bertouch 19, Garner 16, Hammans 14, McRae 14, Tessari 14