DEVELOPING Hawthorn ruckman Luke Lowden was best on ground for Box Hill in their 52-point win over Coburg on Saturday.
It was a dominant performance for the reigning premiers, who won every quarter except for the last to set up the victory in which Lowden was awarded the ANZAC Medal as best afield.
The Hawthorn ruckman won 24 hit outs, had 17 possessions, took eight marks and kicked two goals in another impressive performance.
Teamed with fellow Hawthorn ruckman Jonathon Ceglar, who was also among the Hawks’ best with 44 hit outs and 20 touches, the Hawks’ duo are proving to be one of the most dominant ruck pair in the VFL.
“They’ve been a really big bonus for us, having two big, strong and dominant ruckmen at VFL level,” Development Academy Coordinator and former Box Hill coach, Damian Caroll told hawthornfc.com.au
“They’re both in good form and are just waiting for an opportunity if it does arise this year.”
In his first game back from a shoulder injury, luckless midfielder Alex Woodward was also among Box Hill’s best, with 30 disposals and seven clearances.
Woodward had missed the last month with injury but didn’t take a backwards step in his return game at Mantello Holden Oval.
“Alex was good for us particularly around the clearances where he won seven – his connection with the ruckmen was really good,” Caroll said.
“He was really able to impact around the stoppages and dish out with quick hands. For us, his first game back was really positive and he’ll be better for the run.”
Draftee James Sicily was also among those to impress, booting three goals from 13 possessions and four marks.
Playing up forward and through the midfield, Sicily has been among the youngsters to impress in his first games for Box Hill.
Sicily, a slightly built half forward was drafted from Western Jets with selection 56 in last year’s National Draft was also among those to impress in last week’s win over Geelong with two goals.
“He is regularly hitting the score board, which is pleasing for a first year player,” Caroll said.
“He started the game really well, where he was able to get on the scoreboard and then moved him up to the wing for his development and then back forward in the last quarter.
“To finish with three goals straight was a really pleasing return from his 13 possessions.”
But it has been his marking and ability to handle to ball cleanly, combined with his movement in the forward line that has been most impressive to Caroll and the Club’s development staff.
“His hands are good – he’s been really clean,” he said.
“For a guy who looks reasonable skinny and under developed at the moment, he’s playing strong.
“His ability to lead up and lead back and create space has been a feature of his game.”
Final score
COBURG 2.2 5.3 5.5 10.9 (69)
BOX HILL 5.6 9.11 16.15 17.19 (121)
GOALS
Coburg: Featherstone3, Saad 2, Younan, Cooper, Madden, Venditti, Thomas.
Box Hill: Sicily 3, Gimely, O’Brien, Lowden, Franetic 2, Wood, Iles, Webster, Kennedy, Andrew, Litherland.
