Box Hill has opened its 2019 season in emphatic style, dominating Casey to record a 62-point victory.
On a picture perfect day during which Box Hill unfurled its 2018 premiership flag, the Hawks began their premiership defending campaign exactly where they had left off.
Controlling the inside contest, the Hawks were able to get on top of the Demons on the outside with exquisite coast-to-coast ball movement.
Mitch Lewis kick-started proceedings, launching a 50m set shot within the opening minutes of the match, and celebrated with passion.
From there it was the Jackson Ross show as he lit up Box Hill City Oval with four of the next seven goals of the match.
The rangy forward kicked a long-running goal for his first, executing a strong contested mark and set shot for his second, and launching a 50m bomb from a free-flowing passage of play for his third.
Ross’ influence on the contest continued, as his quick hands in congestion set up a Brayden Kilpatrick classic from long range in the closing minutes of the opening term.
The goals continued to pile on after half time as Mitch Lewis starred with several contested marks and four majors. Ryan Schoenmakers, who competed impressively in the air to be one of four multiple goal kickers, ably complemented him.
Although both sides entered their forward 50 on 48 occasions, the Demons cost themselves any chance of a revival, kicking an extremely inaccurate 4.18.
Teia Miles was instrumental in Box Hill’s rebound from 50 with 19 touches, while Marc Pittonet produced a dominating performance in the ruck with 44 hit-outs.
Luke Meadows (19 disposals) and Harry Jones (8 tackles) played pivotal roles in the midfield.
Pre-match, Box Hill skipper Andrew Moore presented seven Box Hill debutantes with their guernseys, representing a significant list overhaul over summer. However it was more of the same from the Hawks as they looked to embark on their back-to-back title quest with vengeance.
BOX HILL 5.4 9.8 14.11 15.14 (104)
CASEY 1.4 3.6 3.10 4.18 (42)
GOALS
Box Hill: Ross 5, Lewis 4, Kilpatrick 2, Schoenmakers 2, Hanrahan 1, Moore 1
Casey: Chandler 2, Smith 1, Gent 1
LEADING DISPOSALS
Box Hill: Kilpatrick 23, Miles 19, Moore 19, Meadows 18, Golds 17
Casey: Maynard 27, Stretch 20, Chandler 17
