BOX Hill faces a season-defining three weeks following a disappointing 13-point loss to Coburg at Highgate Recreation Reserve.

The defeat saw the Hawks hold onto a top-eight spot but with next week’s opponent Frankston among the sides lurking just one win outside the eight, the next match is crucial.

Along with the Dolphins, Box Hill faces Casey Scorpions and North Ballarat over the next three weeks in a run that is likely to determine whether the Hawks can mount a serious tilt at the VFL flag

Coach Damian Carroll admitted the Hawks need to prove they can string together consecutive wins if they are to challenge the VFL’s best sides.

“It was a real tale of two different stories from this week to last week,” Carroll said.

“Credit to Coburg, their pressure was really good and we knew they’d bounce back from their loss last week.

“We just didn’t adjust to their increase in pressure and intensity and struggled to put scoreboard pressure on.”

Both sides found the going difficult in front of goal in the opening term, with just two goals kicked after a strong breeze caused havoc for forwards.

The Hawks found their way in the second, with Derick Wanganeen goaling from a tight angle to give the visitors the early momentum.

As would be the trend throughout the day though, the Tigers answered through skipper Nick Carnell not long after.

As the Marics - Addam and Nick - found plenty of footy across half-forward, Coburg threatened to break the game open before a late major from ruckman Luke Lowden restored a two-point half time lead for Box Hill.

The quarter also included an inspired piece of running from wingman Brad Hill, who linked up with three teammates in a chain of handballs before slotting home in one of the goals of the day.

ANZAC medallist Whillie Wheeler and Carnell opened a handy lead for Coburg early in the third quarter, only to see their efforts cancelled out by some magic from small forward Amos Frank.

After having limited opportunities in the opening half, Frank swooped a loose ball inside forward 50, throwing the footy onto his left boot before it sailed through at post height.

That was the spark the Hawks needed, with Frank’s second bringing the margin back to under a goal at the final change.

With Angus Graham holding sway in the centre, the Tiger’s midfielders gifted Luke McGuane a series of chances to kill the game off early in the final term.

And although wasteful on more than one occasion, McGuane ultimately kicked the sealer that extended the hosts' lead to 18 with just five minutes to play.

A late goal that gave slim hope to the travelling fans was to no avail for Box Hill, who now lick their wounds before focusing on a date with the Dolphins.

Midfielder Ben Fagan was the chief ball winner for Box Hill, finishing with 22 disposals.

Hawthorn-listed players

Amos Frank: Showed his freakish ability inside forward 50 from limited opportunities. On a day where conditions made it difficult for forwards, his three majors kept Box Hill in the contest.

Derick Wanganeen: Down on his output from the last three weeks, but a clinical finish in the second quarter from a tight angle showed his class.

Luke Lowden: Continues to improve in his role as Box Hill’s number one ruckman. Managed to push forward and snag a goal in the second quarter.

Mitch Hallahan: Re-called to the senior side and looked hungry to hold his place, throwing himself at the contest early.

Angus Litherland: Was more solid than spectacular, but he is the sort of player Box Hill coach Damian Carroll is after - uncompromising and will do anything to win the footy for his team.

Sam Grimley: Found the going tough up against the taller Graham in the centre of the ground, but his mobility following up from contests was a plus.

Tom Schneider: Another who found the going tougher than the opening month of footy after his blistering start to the year. The Tigers put extra attention of quelling the ball magnets influence and succeeded.

Taylor Duryea: Serviceable in defence, Duryea found himself dealing with some of the Tiger’s mist dynamic forwards on a day where they had plenty of chances on goal.

Jarrad Boumann: Undoubtedly one of Box Hill’s best. Played a pivotal role on Coburg’s tall timber and was rarely beaten, despite the hosts having more shots on goal and inside 50s.

Clinton Young: Hasn’t lost any of what made him a Hawthorn regular over the past few seasons, with his line-breaking running and kicking a feature. The Hawks will be hoping he can increase his possession count over the next few weeks to show how lethal he is with
the footy.

Brad Hill: After debuting in the Hawthorn side last week, Hill came into the game in spurts. Was dynamic on the two occasions he slotted majors and the Hawks will be hoping he can produce those efforts more consistently. 

Tom Murphy: Has been one of Box Hill’s best for the past month and wasn’t beaten on too many occasions again on Saturday.

Chance Bateman: Didn’t win as much of the football as he would have liked, but seemed to have as much time as anyone on the ground when he does have it.