A brave Box Hill came up just short against an undefeated Richmond, losing by 8-points in a bruising contest at the Swinburne Centre on Sunday.
Box Hill hit its straps in the second term, kicking a blistering six unanswered goals to take a 22-point lead into half-time.
However, Richmond broke free of the arm wrestle with nine second-half majors and willed themselves to victory in front of a vocal home crowd.
Assistant Coach Torin Baker gives us his review of each AFL-listed player.
David Mirra (23 disposals, 11 marks, 8 rebound 50s)
“Dave was in our best couple of players on the day. Not only was his contest work really strong, but his ball use out of the back half was really good as well.
He’s been back at VFL level for a few weeks now and is providing tremendous leadership and building really strong form.” TB
Kaiden Brand (16 disposals, 10 marks, 4 rebound 50s)
“KB was one of our very best players on the day. He found the balance really well between whether to mark or spoil. He put us in good positions further down the field with his effective exit from defensive 50.” TB
Changkuoth Jiath (16 disposals, 6 marks, 3 rebound 50s)
“CJ had some good moments during the game but also some challenges against the dangerous Richmond small’s he played on. He has certainly been a strong contributor for us this season, but we are continually working with him on improving particular defensive moments of his within games.” TB
Damon Greaves (8 disposals, 5 marks, 2 rebound 50s)
“Damon had some real challenges playing on Richmond’s quality smalls, but he really stood up in that area with his contest work. As a first year playing we are still working on parts of his game. But with what he showed on the weekend, there is certainly some exciting signs.” TB
Marc Pittonet (16 disposals, 42 hitouts, 3 tackles)
“Pitto had a clear advantage in the ruck and got his hands on the ball a lot of times. He is getting around the ground and getting the ball himself. He’s been in super form since the Coburg game in Round 4. He is one who gives us great physicality and leadership out there.” TB
Ned Reeves (6 disposals, 13 hitouts, 1 mark)
“Ned played a combination of ruck and forward line. He took a really strong contested mark and got his hand to the footy in the ruck. We still need to work with him on areas of his game but is one who has shown a great aptitude to improve.” TB
Daniel Howe (25 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles)
“It was Dan’s first game back at VFL level. He was a really solid contributor for us on the day. He was an elite disposal winner with 25 touches and was certainly a player trying to create for us late in the game when it was there to be won.” TB
Harry Jones (16 disposals, 1 goal, 2 tackles)
“Harry’s another one who is building some consistent form. As usual with him, he was really high up in the contested possessions. He gives us real grunt in hunting the footy and hunting the opposition.” TB
Will Golds (15 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle)
“Will is getting himself more involved. As a first-year player we are still working with him on his game, but he continues to show signs of real quality in the way he goes about his footy.” TB
Read: Hill focusses on positives
Jarryd Roughead (8 disposals, 1 goal, 2 marks)
“Roughy kicked a goal from his limited opportunities. His areal work was great in bringing the ball to ground and bringing his teammates into the game. He looked dangerous on the day, but we just couldn’t get enough footy through his area.” TB
Ollie Hanrahan (17 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles)
“Ollie’s role has changed over the last couple of weeks and is now playing a lot more midfield time. He has adapted to the role really well and always gives us good energy with his quick feet around the ball. He was able to be involved on the day and is a player who is showing good versatility.” TB
Jackson Ross (13 disposals, 3 goals, 3 inside 50s)
“Rossy kicked three goals and his contest work was strong. He made the most of the opportunities he had considering there wasn’t a lot of supply for forwards. It was certainly another strong game from Jackson.” TB
Mathew Walker (8 disposals, 1 goal, 2 marks)
“Walks had his least effective game for the year. He got his hands to it a couple of times, but couldn’t quite take the marks he has this previously this season. But he is a player who has shown really promising signs in his first season for the club.” TB
Conor Nash (14 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s)
“It was Conor’s first game back in three weeks and first in the VFL. It was a tough day for forwards, as we had our least amount of forward 50 entries for the year. He was one who made the most of his opportunities with four score assists on the day, and a lot of his work turned into goals for us.” TB
Darren Minchington (11 disposals, 2 goals, 3 tackles)
“Unfortunately Darren re-injured his hamstring late in the game. He will likely miss the next 1-2 weeks. He was going really well before that and kicked a couple of goals. What we love about Minch is that he is really sharp with his hands and really predictable with his ball use. When he gets the ball, things tend to happen around him.” TB
