SUMMARY
If you consider recent form, this round two match-up against the Coburg Lions promises to be a blockbuster.
The two sides met only two weeks ago, and played out a rare VFL draw with both sides finishing 10.11 (71).
The Box Hill Hawks kicked off their 2017 campaign positively last week, with a two-point victory over last year’s premiers, the Footscray Bulldogs.
While Coburg were on the wrong side of another round one two-point game, falling agonisingly short to 2016 preliminary finalists, Collingwood.
The Hawks blooded eight new debutants in round one, in a strong sign for the club.
WHERE AND WHEN: Box Hill City Oval, Saturday, April 22, 2.00pm
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2016, Box Hill 13.8 (86) d Coburg 11.12 (78) at Piranha Park
R14, 2015, Box Hill 26.5 (161) d Coburg 8.13 (61) at Piranha Park
R2, 2015, Box Hill 14.7 (91) d Coburg 10.11 (71) at Box Hill City Oval
R16, 2014, Box Hill 16.19 (115) d Coburg 14.9 (93) at Box Hill City Oval
R4, 2014, Box Hill 17.19 (121) d Coburg 10.9 (69) at Piranha Park
THE KEY POINTS
• Jonathan O’Rourke played his first game of the year after an injury-interrupted pre-season. The former Giant only played approximately 60 minutes of game-time, but still managed a huge game, gathering 25 disposals, five inside 50s and four clearances. The 22-year old is set for a progression in playing time, and will be one to watch this weekend as he continues his return from injury.
• In a promising sign for the Hawks, their leading goal kickers from round one were two VFL-listed players, Chris Jones and Sam Switkowski. Both players managed only 22 games and 18 goals between them in 2016, so this strong start to 2017 is sure to have pleased head coach Chris Newman.
• This weekend, David Mirra will lead the boys out onto Box Hill City Oval, an honour he has held onto for a fourth consecutive season. The most decorated player on the VFL list, Mirra has set the team’s sights firmly on a return to finals this year after a disappointing 2016.
• Former Essendon rookie, Tom Wallis, is set to play his first game in Coburg colours. Wallis, son of two-time Essendon star Dean, did not manage a senior game in his time at the Bombers, but did display his skills in the VFL last year, with his lethal foot skills and outstanding pace.
BOX HILL SENIOR SQUAD ROUND 2
62. C Nash, 35. H Morrison, 68. T Duryea, 42. T Miles, 70. D Willsmore, 75. R Schoenmakers, 32. J Fitzpatrick, 61. B Whitecross, 72. M Pittonet, 66. J Cousins, 63. J O'Rourke, 28. L Cox, 12. C Jones, 38. L Surman, 10. W Hams, 1. D Mirra, 64. C Glass, 13. N Evans, 39. M Lewis, 7. A Brolic, 5. M Warren, 21. J Fisher, 24. S Switkowski, 51. V Adduci, 30. K Brand*, 37. B Hardwick*, 40. K Stewart*, 31. R Henderson*, 67. D Howe*, 73. T O'Brien*, 77. T Vickery*
*Players have been named in Hawthorn’s 25-man squad.
BOX HILL DEVELOPMENT SQUAD ROUND 2
Box Hill City Oval, Saturday, April 22, 10.45AM
21. J Fisher, 48. S Parsons, 29. S Gibson, 17. A Kennedy, 45. N Lane, 28. L Cox, 14. M Traynor, 18. L Jeffs, 20. J Codd-Miller, 25. J Firns, 15. X Dimasi, 7. A Brolic, 3. W Murphy, 11. B Kilpatrick, 12. C Jones, 13. N Evans, 9. B Evans47. H Burt, 49. L Walker, 60. T Castledine, 58. M Knoll, 6. S Horner, 46. T Maloney, 16. L Williams, 50. J Haynes, 52. J Godwin, 33. D Hehir, 22. Z Monkhorst
