Box Hill are still looking for their first win in VFL Women’s after being caught on the wrong end of a rampaging solo effort from Alyssa Mifsud in their 67-point Round 2 loss to the VU Western Spurs.
Playing in front of their first Box Hill City Oval home crowd as part of the Mother’s Day triple header, the Hawks made significant improvements on their Round 1 clash with Geelong. The Spurs, at full-strength and boasting no fewer than 12 AFL players, were forced to contend with Box Hill’s pressure at close quarters with Olivia Flanagan entering the history books with her side’s first ever goal late in the opening term. However, despite the best efforts of Emma Mackie, Abbey Tanner and Jade Van Dyk, the Spurs extended their lead at every break to win 13.8 to 3.1.
Ultimately, the difference between the two sides was Spur forward Alyssa Mifsud, who kicked five goals in a phenomenal display that the Hawks were unable to stop.
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From the outset, Box Hill displayed a willingness to take the game on in their ball movement. Looking to expand beyond their current strengths of contesting disputed ball, the Hawks were well served by captain Mel Kuys, Sarah Goode and Grace Dillon. In just her second game, Olivia Flanagan took a sensational mark running back with the flight to convert her side’s first goal to a rapturous reception from the crowd. Abbey Tanner fought a lone hand against a three-pronged line-up in the ruck and again provided her side with real stability both in the middle and around the ground. Chantella Perera, having already proved herself as a defender against the Cats, added a string to her bow playing up the ground as a forward and set up a goal to Shaylee Taylor in the fourth quarter.
“Our skill level today probably wasn’t where it needs to be,” admitted coach Paddy Hill after the game. “But we took some significant steps forward today, we were much better in front of goal, we showed some glimpses of ball movement we want to see.”
VFL Women’s has a bye next weekend. Box Hill will face the St Kilda Sharks at home from 11am on May 27 in Round 3.
Box Hill 1.0 2.1 2.1 3.1.19
VU Western Spurs 4.4 6.4 10.5 13.8.86
GOALS: Flanagan, Mackie, Taylor.
