BOX HILL continued its incredible VFL season on Saturday, stealing victory from North Ballarat by five points with the final kick of the game at Box Hill City Oval.
Sam Grimley was the man of the moment for the Hawks, with his hanger in the goal-square with just seconds left taking the win from the Roosters’ grasp – both literally and figuratively.
The rookie-listed Hawthorn forward said despite the ease of the shot, the situation still left him feeling nervous.
“I was pretty nervous to be honest, even though it was from a slight angle at the top of the goal-square,” Grimley said.
“The forwards have a routine and a job to do – you just have to look at it as any other set shot.”
While the Hawks ultimately walked away with the four points, Grimley said Box Hill failed to acclimatise early to the Antarctic-like conditions, providing North Ballarat with early confidence.
“It took us a while to adjust to the weather – our mindset was for a dry day and clean conditions, but obviously that wasn’t the case,” he said.
“The weather can have an impact on the game if you let it. If your mindset isn't right it can really show, which was the case for us, particularly in that second quarter.”
The Roosters were hot out of the blocks at Box Hill City Oval.
The second quarter in particular was disappointing for the Hawks, who missed chances at the start of the quarter.
Three goals to North Melbourne-listed forward Aaron Black turned a 13-point, quarter-time deficit into a half-time lead for the Roosters.
Following the main break, the Hawks’ attitude change was evident.
“We had more of a unity and worked hard as a team - that’s what wins games,” Grimley said.
It was never going to be easy to reel in the Roosters, but the Hawks managed to scrape together a four-point lead going into the final break.
With everything to play for, the two teams went goal-for-goal in the last quarter.
The Hawks embodied a ‘never say die’ mentality, remaining calm and composed in the dying minutes.
Having already being involved in two games this season that finished with a margin under a kick, it was no surprise to Grimley that the Hawks knew what they had to do to claim the win.
“We have a bit of experience in close games, we've been in that position a bit this year and have really been able to stay focused in the final stages,” he said.
With under a minute to go, it seemed all over as the Hawks squandered a shot on goal.
But a huge pack mark by ruckman Jon Ceglar, just beyond the 50-metre arc, provided the Hawks with one last roll of the dice and with no time to spare, the big man sent it deep into the forward line in hope.
His prayers were answered when Grimley soared above his opponent to mark strongly at the top of the square.
With seconds to go, the 24-year-old calmly walked in and slotted the goal, with the siren sounding just as he began celebrating.
Despite the win, the Hawks have been displaced at the top of the VFL ladder on percentage by Williamstown – but will have the chance to reclaim that position when they visit Coburg on Sunday.
SCORES
Box Hill Hawks 5.4 6.6 10.8 12.11 (83)
North Ballarat 3.3 7.7 9.10 11.12 (78)
Goals: S. Tatupu 2, S. Grimley 2, Z. Webster, J. Anderson, J. Ceglar, T. O'Brien, D. Howe, M. Pittonet, A. Woodward, M. Lock
Best: A. Woodward, J. Ceglar, S. Iles, A. Litherland, J. Simpkin, D. Howe
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