The Box Hill Hawks produced a stunning final-quarter surge to secure a six-point victory over Port Melbourne in a hard-fought clash in Wonthaggi on Sunday.

Trailing for most of the day, the Hawks showed enormous resilience to overturn Port Melbourne’s small lead and run out 5.10 (40) to 5.4 (34) winners.

Port Melbourne came out strongly, applying early scoreboard pressure and forcing Box Hill to play catch-up through the first three quarters. Despite being consistently competitive, the Hawks struggled to capitalise on inside 50 opportunities which resulted in a few missed shots at goal. 

Heading into the final quarter, a dominant midfield effort from Isla Baldwin (16 disposals) and Ellie McLinden (15 disposals) had the Hawks take back control of the contest. Nat Exon and Rebecca Neaves also provided crucial drive, each collecting 13 touches.

Up forward, Box Hill’s spread of goalkickers proved decisive. Rosie Dillon, Olivia Fogarty, Jess Matin, Stasia Stevenson, and Mia Zielinski all hit the scoreboard, with Fogarty’s late goal giving the Hawks the lead for the first time.

Despite a few nervous moments as Port Melbourne pressed forward, Box Hill’s backline held firm, and a series of behinds extended the Hawks’ advantage, ensuring they stayed just out of reach.

With now two wins on the board for the 2025 season, the Hawks will look to continue this energy and excellent display of footy into the coming rounds. 

Goals: Dillon, Fogarty, Matin, Stevenson, Zielinski

Disposals: Baldwin 16, McLinden 15, Exon & Neaves 13.