Box Hill have succumbed to a second defeat for 2017 falling at the hands of Williamstown by 45 points at City Oval. The loss sees the Hawks relinquish top spot on the VFL ladder, moving into second position at the completion of Round 12.
In what was a strong opening term for the Hawks, half forward Anthony Brolic marked his presence on the match with a burst of two goals in the opening minutes. After a return of fire from Williamstown, Hawk Ty Vickery marked strongly 1 on 1 before carefully slotting a goal to put the hosts in front. Dallas Willsmore also added his name to the scorer’s sheet to put Box Hill 13 points ahead at the first break.
Williamstown came out firing in the second term with three goals in the opening 10 minutes of play. It took until the 20th minute mark for the Hawks to register a score, with Oliver Hanrahan kicking his first for the day. However, Williamstown powered away to hold a four-goal lead at the main break.
The third quarter kicked off in similar fashion with Williamstown making the early running. A quick snap from the boundary gave the Seagulls the early advantage, before tall Mitch Lewis goaled for the hosts. However, missed opportunities in front of goal saw Williamstown capitalise with a 45-point lead at the final break.
In a stalemate final term, Box Hill were unable to close the gap with both sides only managing 2.5 in front of goal, as Williamstown ran away with a 45-point win.
Andrew Moore continued his strong start to 2017 with 21 disposals and a goal, whilst Joe Fisher was strong in defence. Anthony Brolic kicked two goals to add to his 13 goal tally for 2017.
The Hawks will be on the hunt to return to the winners list in a week’s time as they play host to North Ballarat on Sunday from 12:00pm at Box Hill City Oval.
FINAL SCORE
Box Hill Hawks 10. 13 – 73
Williamstown 17.16 – 118
GOALS
Box Hill – Brolic 2, Cousins, Moore, Hanrahan, Switkowski, Vickery, Willsmore, Evans, Lewis
Read: VFLW Round 8 match report
DEVELOPMENT
In the development league, the Hawks made it two wins in a row with a 36-point victory over Williamstown.
The Hawks held a 32-point lead at the main break with Williamstown unable to close the gap by the final siren.
Dale Hehir and Billy Murphy continue to hit the score sheet with 4 goals each, whilst Xavier Dimasi continues to impress. The win sees the Hawks in equal fifth position at the completion of round 12.
FINAL SCORE
Box Hill Hawks 15. 20 – 110
Williamstown 11.8 – 74
GOALS
Box Hill – Murphy 4, Hehir 4, C. O’Sullivan, Horner, Codd-Miller, Maloney, Knoll, Horne, Traynor
Images courtesy of Kadek Thatcher photography
