Box Hill booked themselves a spot in the 2019 VFL Finals series with an inspired 19-point come-from-behind victory against Collingwood on Saturday.
Collingwood -with nothing but pride on the line - controlled the game for the first three quarters, holding an 18-point lead at three-quarter-time.
But with a finals spot on the line, the Hawks stormed to victory, slamming home seven goals to one in the final term – with Skipper Andrew Moore and Jackson Ross booting two apiece.
Assistant Coach Torin Baker was pleased with the sides performance and gives us his review of each AFL-listed player.
James Cousins (27 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 1 goal)
“Cuz racked up another 27 possessions and has been one who has produced that output for us on a consistent basis, whenever he has been at VFL level. We are hoping he can continue that throughout the finals series.” TB
Teia Miles (27 disposals, 7 marks, 6 rebound 50s, 1 goal)
“Teia gave us the attacking run and flair off the back half we needed. He was excellent in that role and makes us such a better team when we are able to use his foot skills and attacking nature behind the ball.” TB
Kaiden Brand (19 disposals, 13 marks, 5 rebound 50s)
“KB has had two really high standard games against Collingwood this year – taking a combined 31 marks. Along with Miz, he was a wall across defence for us. His rebounding from the back half was a real bonus for us.” TB
Marc Pittonet (18 disposals, 41 hitouts, 4 inside 50s)
“Pitto was a key player for us, playing the way we did in the second half. His clearance ability, particularly out of centre bounces in the last quarter, was pivotal in getting us over the line. He continued his outstanding season at VFL level.” TB
David Mirra (23 disposals, 6 marks, 7 rebound 50s)
“Dave was outstanding in the second half. When the game was on the line, his ability to intercept mark, win his contests and help get the ball going our way was excellent.” TB
Jackson Ross (11 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals)
“Rossy had a quiet first half. He was one of our forwards who was starved of some supply. The pleasing thing about his game was that he was able to impact late – with two late goals to help us get over the line. He continues to be a dangerous threat to the opposition – he’s sitting second on the VFL goalkicking for a reason. He has been consistently good all season.” TB
Will Golds (17 disposals, 4 marks, 5 inside 50s)
“It was Goldsy’s first game back from injury and it was pleasing to see him back out there. He found the ball well and used it superbly. It was a good step forward for him.” TB
Jacob Koschitzke (12 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal)
“Kozzy played a combination of back and forward. We thought he implemented the defensive system that we wanted – and is showing good growth in that area. When we went forward, he was able to force a really strong contest and bring the ball to ground - as well as kicking a goal. It was a really strong overall game from Kozzy.” TB
Mat Walker (10 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle)
“Mat didn’t have the same sort of impact from previous weeks in the air, but he had some really good ground level involvement. He’s gotten better and better with his defensive actions over the course of the year. We’ve seen some really impressive growth, from the start of the year to now. It will be exciting to see what will come next year with his footy.” TB
Damon Greaves (9 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles)
“Greavesy was a little quieter this week – compared to the previous week where he was able to really have an influence with the ball in hand. But his defensive work was certainly sound. We just probably didn’t get the same offensive output as the previous week from him.” TB
Ned Reeves (1 disposal, 17 hitouts, 2 tackles)
“Reevesy had less game time but played a combination of up forward and in the ruck. He was able to give us first use in the ruck. He didn’t have as many opportunities up forward, mainly due to the way the game was played. But we probably found he was better suited in the ruck, given the windy conditions and it wasn’t really a game where we were taking a lot of marks up forward.” TB
