The Box Hill Hawks put their season back on track with a convincing 20-point victory over Williamstown on Saturday, in front of a brown and gold army at Box Hill City Oval.
Although the Hawks came out firing to hold a 16-point lead at the first break, Williamstown hit back hard with ferocious tackling around the contest, clawing its way in front with a three-point lead at half-time.
But from there it was all Box Hill, as the reigning premiers booted six second-half goals to Williamstown’s three, on their way to recording their first victory since Round 4.
Here we give a review of each AFL-listed player.
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Daniel Howe (21 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal)
In his third game on the trot for Box Hill, Daniel Howe once again proved to be a prominent force. In the continued absence of premiership skipper Andrew Moore with a shoulder injury, Howe assumed the inside midfield responsibility with an impressive hunt for the contested ball. The midfielder also stepped up in the dying moments of the game with a set shot to seal the much-needed victory, much to the delight of his jubilant teammates.
Harry Morrison (20 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles)
Morrison responded to being left out of Hawthorn’s AFL side with class. The youngster brought an impressive attitude to Box Hill City Oval, and was lively in amassing 20 disposals through the midfield. The Hawks No.1 certainly put his best case forward for a return to the senior side.
Teia Miles (19 disposals, 9 marks, 2 goals)
Miles has been called upon as Box Hill’s ‘Mr Fix it’ this season, regularly switching from defence to attack mid-game. He once again stepped up to the task with two big-time goals as well as five rebound 50s. Miles again impressed with his speed and agility in taking the game on, proving to be a critical component in Box Hill’s improved ball movement.
Damon Greaves (14 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles)
Greaves has impressed coaches with his discipline in defence in his first season at the club. Rarely beaten in a one-on-one contest, Greaves again played an influential role in helping restrict Williamstown to just eight goals for the match.
Harrison Jones (16 disposals, 1 mark, 8 tackles)
Coaches rave about Jones’ endeavour at the contest. The contested bull played a major part in Box Hill vastly improved midfield intent this week, with his eight tackles typifying his undying commitment to the cause.
Will Golds (16 disposals, 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s)
In his first season at the club, Will Golds continues to improve in each game he plays. The wingman was again creative by foot with 16 disposals, and his canny evasiveness and agility proved him to be a hard player for the Seagulls to catch.
Ned Reeves (6 disposals, 37 hitouts, 4 marks)
In the absence of ruckman Marc Pittonet, Reeves once again held the responsibility of Box Hill’s no.1 ruckman. And he responded with his best game for the club. The 208cm rookie beat his direct opponent in hitouts (37-28) and performed a dominant ruck combination with Jarryd Roughead.
Jarryd Roughead (15 disposals, 20 hitouts, 5 marks)
Although not having a significant impact on the scoreboard, Roughead was again influential playing higher up the ground, in a second ruck position. The former captain made his presence felt around the ball using his big frame to impact the contest, making room for his brigade of young midfielders and launching laser-like entries inside 50 to leading teammates. ‘Roughy’ had his moments around goal with a long bomb from the centre square just missing, and a followed up snap on his left unfortunately getting smothered.
Ollie Hanrahan (17 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal)
Hanrahan responded emphatically from a quiet performance in the side’s loss to Collingwood last week, drawing praise from coach Max Bailey post-match. “I was really pleased with Ollie Hanrahan, coming off a down week last week and bouncing back to go really well," Bailey said. Hanrahan pounced on an errant Williamstown switch kick deep in attack to dribble through the Box Hill’s first goal of the day, and rediscovered his energy and zip around the ball in his new-found midfield role.
Jackson Ross (11 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals)
The goal-kicking machine once again looked a class above on the weekend. His first goal for the day was a remarkable snap over his body in heavy traffic. While his second goal opened the third term with a critical set shot that put the Hawks back in the lead. Ross sits comfortably in second position on the VFL’s goal-kicking list with 19 goals, averaging nearly three per game.
Dylan Moore (16 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal)
Moore responded strongly to his return to Box Hill, providing a dangerous combination up forward with fellow forwards Ross, Miles, Hanrahan and Walker. He kicked an impressive set shot in the opening quarter, and was unlucky to not finish with three goals for the day after missing a couple of further gettable opportunities.
Mat Walker (7 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle)
In what was a quiet day for Walker, the dangerous forward still managed to impact the game with four strong marks. Walker has shown glimpses of freakishness this season, with his capability overhead, elite speed and remarkable goal sense exciting Hawks supporters for the future.