HAWTHORN ruckman Jonathon Ceglar has pressed his claim for a senior recall after another strong performance in Box Hill’s 11-point loss to Collingwood on Saturday.
Omitted from the team to take on the Bulldogs in Tasmania on Sunday, Ceglar assumed the number one ruck mantle with Box Hill and starred in the loss at Victoria Park.
Ceglar was named in Box Hill’s best with 32 hit outs, 14 disposals and two goals.
The performance drew praise from former Box Hill premiership coach and current Hawthorn Academy Coordinator Damian Caroll, who said his marking was a highlight.
“He was really solid, again he did the things we expect of him,” he said.
“He marked the ball really well around the ground and in our forward line.
“We were happy with his ruck work too even though we didn’t connect as well with our midfielders as we would have liked.
“He did his chances no harm with that sort of performance and attitude, which was pivotal to being competitive on the day.”
Collingwood booted five goals to two in the opening term to get out to an early lead before the Hawks hit back with five goals to three in the second term.
Just six points separated the sides at the final change, with the Pies holding on to win 13.14 (92) to Box Hill’s 12.9 (81).
It was a gallant effort by an inexperienced Box Hill team against Collingwood’s VFL side that featured senior players Luke Ball, Clinton Young and Brodie Grundy.
For the third week running young midfielder Billy Hartung was named in the best with 17 disposals.
Hartung, who was named as an emergency for Sunday’s game against the Bulldogs impressed again with his run and carry through the midfield.
“He played really well,” Caroll said.
“He was able to run the game out well in his third game back (from injury).
“He linked up really well and is getting a lot stronger in the contest, which is pleasing given the work he’s been putting in.
“We’re really happy with how he’s developed so far throughout the season and are looking forward to more progress this year and into the next.”
Defender Kyle Cheney was again named Box Hill’s best for another outstanding performance in defence.
Cheney picked up a team-high 26 disposals and 12 marks, most of which we taken off the boot of the opposition.
It was the aspect of the game most pleasing to Caroll, who said Cheney is unlucky not to be playing senior footy.
“He was terrific,” he said.
“We thought he played as a leader with his talk and enthusiasm on the field and in the breaks.
“He’s just a quality player for Box Hill every time he plays down there – he is super hard at the ball.
“He’s always ready for that (senior) opportunity if it comes up.”
Young forward Tim O’Brien was also among those to impress after a strong month of VFL footy, while Mitch Hallahan picked up 20 disposals in the midfield.
Defender Jordan Kelly pushed his case for his senior debut again with 17 disposals, seven marks and a goal.
FINAL SCORE
COLLINGWOOD 5.6 8.8 10.12 13.14 (92)
BOX HILL HAWKS 2.2 7.5 10.6 12.9 (81)
GOALS
COLLINGWOOD: C. Matheson 2, B. Kennedy 2, P. Karnezis 2, J. Williams, C. Gault, J. Hellier, N. Gray, C. Young, J. Thomas, B. Sinclair.
BOX HILL HAWKS: L. Tobin, S. Grimley 2, J. Ceglar 2, L. Lowden, A. Kennedy, J. Kelly, T. O’Brien, X. Murphy.
BEST
COLLINGWOOD: L. Ball, B. Kennedy, C. Young, L. Ferguson, J. Ramsay, P. Yagmoor.
BOX HILL HAWKS: K. Cheney, L. Tobin, J. Ceglar, J. Kelly, L. Andrews, B. Hartung.
