As we count down to Round 1 of the AFL season, we thought we would check in on Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate, the Box Hill Hawks, to see how they are looking ahead of the season.
Mirra to Moore
Andrew Moore has been named captain of the Box Hill Hawks for season 2018. Moore will take over from David Mirra, who skippered the club for four years before being taken by the Hawks in last year’s Rookie Draft. Moore had a five-year stint with Port Adelaide and one year with Richmond in 2016 before joining the Hawks last year. The 26-year old was selected in last year’s VFL Team of the Year and finished runner-up in the club’s best and fairest count. Coach Chris Newman believes Moore will thrive in his new role. “The players all voted unanimously that Andrew was the man for the role,” Newman said.
Pre-season form
The Hawks have had some early season success, winning both of their opening pre-season hit-outs. On March 2 the side met Footscray at Whitten Oval and destroyed the 2016 premiers by 70 points. The Hawks then ventured down to Tasmania to take on the Northern Blues in a curtain raiser before their respective AFL sides clashed in the JLT Series. The Hawks were again too strong for their opposition, finishing victors by 40 points.
Read: Hawthorn's season preview
Where to from here?
Newman’s side has three pre-season matches to go before the start of the season proper. Here is what their upcoming fixture looks like ahead of Round 1.
March 17, 12:00PM: Box Hill Hawks vs Casey Demons at Casey Fields
March 23, 2:30PM: Box Hill Hawks vs Collingwood at Olympic Park Oval
March 30, 2:00PM: Box Hill Hawks vs Richmond at Swinburne Centre
And Round 1?
The Hawks will then turn their attention to the season proper, where they will meet Williamstown in Round 1. Williamstown will be looking to make amends for a disappointing end to last year. After finishing minor premiers, the Seagulls were beaten by eventual premiers Port Melbourne in the Preliminary Final. The game promises to be full of feeling, with the Hawks also having fallen in the Preliminary Final last year.
The squad
Despite losing last year’s skipper in Mirra, the majority of the core group remains in 2018. Both VFL Team of the Year representatives in Moore and Anthony Brolic have signed on for another campaign. Reigning best and fairest winner Max Warren is set to vice-captain the side this year. While the Hawks have also added former Collingwood rookie Liam Mackie to their list.
The coach
Chris Newman will again take the reigns as head coach of the Box Hill Hawks in 2018. The former Richmond captain had an outstanding first year in charge last year, reaching a pinnacle when he led the side to a Preliminary Final berth, before being named the coach of the VFL Team of the Year.
