After a slow start on a chilly evening in Bendigo, Box Hill managed to overturn a 32-point deficit midway through the second term to carry an 11-point lead into half time.
Co-captain Daniel Pratt and livewire Hawthorn rookie Amos Frank sparked the Hawk revival booting five majors between them for the quarter.
Unfortunately the Hawks could not carry their second quarter onslaught into the second half of football with Bendigo jumping the visitors after the main break.
The home side managed to hold sway for the rest of the evening to secure their own top eight position.
Following the match, Box Hill coach Damian Carroll credited Bendigo for a strong performance and also paid tribute to small forward Frank for helping get the Hawks back into the game.
“Full credit to Bendigo, they were really hungry and hard at the ball. I know they would be rapt with that effort,” Carroll said.
“I thought Amos really got us going (in the second quarter), that energy, he was able to get some goals that excited us as well.”
Box Hill take on Sandringham next weekend in an Elimination Final at Trevor Barker Oval starting from 2:00pm.
Box Hill 1.2 9.5 11.6 14.10 (94)
Bendigo 3.4 7.6 12.9 17.11 (113)
Goals - Box Hill: A. Frank 4, W. Johnson 3, D. Pratt 3, X. Murphy , C. Bateman , M. Jones , M. Hallahan
Bendigo: J. Thompson 3, S. Stroobants 2, T. Colyer 2, D. Putt 2, S. Lloyd 2, M. Little , J. Williams , E. Kavanagh , J. Merrett , D. Hille , N. Peoples
Best - Box Hill: A. Frank, S. Gilham, K. Cheney, T. Murphy, M. Jones, W. Johnson
Bendigo: C. Dell''Olio, J. Thompson, D. Hille, B. Duscher, B. Collins, S. Lloyd
Hawthorn-listed players
38. Mitch Hallahan
Stats: 13 kicks, 5 marks, 4 handballs, 17 possessions
Hard at it through the middle and one of the Hawks’ best in the center. Kicked a goal on the final siren to reduce the final margin to 19 points.
40. Broc McCauley
Stats: 10 kicks, 5 marks, 8 handballs, 18 possessions
Battled hard in the lone ruck role in a fascinating duel with Essendon veteran David Hille. Finished with 33 hit outs to Hille’s 37.
41. Taylor Duryea
Stats: 6 kicks, 1 mark, 2 handballs, 8 possessions
Another who struggled to find as much of the ball as he would have liked. Usually the go to man exiting defence, Box Hill missed Duryea’s rebound from the back half.
42. Angus Litherland
Stats: 8 kicks, 4 marks, 5 handballs, 13 possessions
Solid down back, Litherland finished with four rebound 50s.
43. Amos Frank
Stats: 10 kicks, 1 mark, 4 handballs, 14 possessions
Outstanding performance from the small forward who finished with four majors. Frank’s brilliance in the second term sparked the Hawks into action and helped them turn the game around before half time.
45. Tom Schneider
Stats: 17 kicks, 4 marks, 12 handballs, 29 possessions
Box Hill’s most prolific ball winner. Lead a turnaround in the center during the second term and finished with nine clearances.
46. Derick Wanganeen
Stats: 5 kicks, 2 marks, 3 handballs, 8 possessions
Found it difficult to get into the game. Worked hard defensively, finishing the game with six tackles.
48. Will Langford
Stats: 9 kicks, 7 marks, 4 handballs, 13 possessions
Another Hawk who failed to collect a heap of the football. Langford did manage to affect four tackles and finish with a team high seven marks for the evening.
63. Kyle Cheney
Stats: 8 kicks, 4 marks, 6 handballs, 14 possessions
Defended well down back and was among the best for Box Hill. Had four rebound 50’s for the evening.
66. Chance Bateman
Stats: 14 kicks, 4 marks, 4 handballs, 18 possessions
Ran out the game well after returning from the Hawthorn side. Bateman finished with five inside 50’s and was rewarded with a goal.
71. Shane Savage
Stats: 9 kicks, 1 mark, 3 handballs, 12 possessions
Failed to have an enormous impact on the contest. His greatest influence came in the middle during the second term as the Hawks worked their way back into the contest.
77. Stephen Gilham
Stats: 9 kicks, 4 marks, 4 handballs, 13 possessions
Among the Hawk’s best holding down a key post in defence. Was assured and composed in possession.
83. Tom Murphy
Stats: 18 kicks, 7 marks, 2 handballs, 20 possessions
Dependable down back and stood up when the Hawks were under pressure during the first quarter. Finished with four inside 50’s for the evening.
