Box Hill suffered its first loss of the season against Sydney on Sunday afternoon, going down by 63 points at Fenjiu Stadium (Box Hill City Oval).
Hawks VFLW Coach Michael Ericson acknowledged that it was a tough day for the team.
“It was a physical game and we played a very good opposition,” he said.
“It was pleasing to see some of the efforts throughout the game from our players.
“When we put the pressure on, it showed how good a side we can be and at other times, Sydney was just a little too quick for us.”
Ericson also reviewed each AFLW-listed player on the day and gave some shout-outs to some VFLW-listed talents.
Charlotte Baskaran (17 disposals, nine tackles, four marks, three inside 50s)
“Charlotte showed some real glimpses, especially in the second half, of being able to get out of stoppage and give us first look of the footy. She had a tough ask all day going up some quality midfielders but it was pleasing to see how she responded.”
Hayley McLaughlin (17 disposals, six marks, five tackles)
“She’s moved to the wing the past fortnight which has given her a bit more freedom to run and create. She’s really been developing nicely in that wing role and she’s able to get back to defensive 50 and help out in the forward 50. She’s been getting herself in some really good positions to assist us with getting the footy and it’s been pleasing to see.”
Laura Stone (11 disposals)
“Statistically it was probably quiet for Stoney but what she did on the inside was good. It was a really great challenge for her to play against some quality AFLW players. Being able to learn against them is only going to help her game.”
Ainslie Kemp (10 disposals, three tackles)
“Kempy saw a lot of the footy down back because they had quite a few inside 50s. She was strong in one-on-one contests and took some good marks through the back half to try and set us up defensively.”
Sophie Locke (One goal, 10 disposals, eight tackles, two inside 50s)
“I think with Soph, it’s just about getting a bit of continuity going. When her pressure’s up and she’s physical like she likes to be, she’s really damaging and we saw that with quite a handy goal during the game.”
Bridie Hipwell (One goal, six disposals, three tackles, two marks)
“Bridie’s work rate was really good and she provided us that option down the line all game. She tirelessly worked higher up the ground and deep. She performs really selfless acts for her teammates as a forward and that’s why her teammates love to play with her.”
Mikayla Williamson (Six tackles, three disposals)
“It took her the first quarter or so to get into the game but when she did, you could just see that football comes natural to her and I think she’s going to develop really well. There were definitely some positive glimpses throughout the game for her.”
…and some shout-outs for some VFLW-listed players
Tamara Luke (20 hit-outs, 10 disposals, four marks, three tackles)
“Playing against such an experienced side in Sydney, we needed someone of Tam’s calibre just to show leadership on the field, whether it was up forward or in the ruck or around the ground. She was really great with what she offered for the group.”
Danika Spamer (15 disposals, nine tackles, three inside 50s, two marks)
“She played as a forward and midfielder this week. She laid a lot of tackles and put a lot of pressure on which was our goal as a team.”
Box Hill now turns its attention to Mission Whitten Oval this Sunday afternoon where it faces the Western Bulldogs.
“We’re excited to bounce back and head to Whitten Oval,” Ericson said.
“We’ve been at home for a little while now so it’s good to get back on the road.
“We’ve been working on a few things in the last few weeks in terms of how we want to play and continue to play, so it’s going to be exciting to try and implement these things against another quality opposition.”
