In their best performance of the season thanks to a consistent four quarter effort, the Hawks didn’t look back following a five goal first quarter.
Coach Damian Carroll was pleased with his side’s efforts to bounce back after last week’s disappointing loss to Casey.
“It was a better competitive contested game from us, I thought we worked hard to stop them getting the footy through quickly and I thought our forward line functioned the best I have seen it,” Carroll said.
Hawthorn recruit Jack Gunston starred up forward booting seven majors in a forward line almost unrecognisable compared to a week earlier as the Hawks kicked 21 goals for the afternoon.
“He (Gunston) was on some limited game time last week and this week that was pretty much released,” Carroll said.
“He moved well, he was very clean, he fumbled a bit last week in his first game back. He was really clean with his hands and to finish with seven goals was really pleasing for us.”
A significant improvement in the centre clearances allowed the Hawks to get first use of the football against the Roosters.
Broc McCauley’s performance in the ruck, combined with the grunt work of Tom Schneider, the returning Luke Andrews as well as the experienced Cameron Bruce allowed the Hawks to control the midfield.
“It was a lot better in the centre clearances, we won 15 to 13. There was just some more energy around the ground, I think we certainly turned that area of the game around,” Carroll said.
After going behind early on, the Hawks replied quickly in the first term courtesy of goals to Jack Gunston and ruckman Luke Lowden.
The Hawks’ disciplined forward pressure made it tough for the Rooster’s to exit defence and was a feature of their play all day.
Xavier Murphy’s late quarter goal opened up an 11-point lead at quarter time, however it was a dominant second term which set up the victory.
Box Hill’s eight goals to two second quarter put the home side into a strong position at the main break leading by 51 points with the Hawks forward line running rampant.
The Roosters weren’t given a sniff after the break as the Box Hill continued to answer every question the visitor’s threw at them. An arm wrestle in the third term, where both sides traded blows was followed by another impressive final term as the Hawks ran out the match strongly.
Xavier Murphy and Marc Lock were two players who impressed after being rewarded for strong performances in the Development side.
Murphy continued his good form collecting 29 possessions and Lock gathered 25 disposals upon his recall to the senior side.
Hawthorn rookie listed defender Will Langford sustained a shoulder injury early on in the clash and will be assessed throughout the week however Carroll was bullish of the defender’s chances of a quick return.
“He sustained a bit of a knock to the shoulder,” Carroll said.
“We are pretty confident it’s not a long term thing and he will be able to get back and play footy soon. Obviously there is two weeks until the next game so we are hopeful he is right for that.”
Hawthorn-listed Players
Tom Murphy: Played an important role rebounding from defence and rewarded with a goal in the final term. Finished the game with 26 disposals.
Will Langford: A shoulder injury early on in the match ended Langford’s day prematurely.
Derick Wanganeen: Wanganeen’s forward pressure set the standard throughout the day. Finished with six tackles and was rewarded with two goals.
Cameron Bruce: One of Box Hill’s best, was composed and showed his experience in midfield finishing with five clearances and 24 disposals.
Bradley Hill: Hill’s run and spread as well as smart ball use was important early on. Faded in the second half but still managed to collect 20 possessions and finish with a goal.
Taylor Duryea: Solid again in defence. Playing the quarter back role down back the Hawks like to get the ball in Duryea’s hands as much as possible. Finished with 19 disposals and four rebound 50’s.
Amos Frank: Whilst he didn’t rack up massive numbers there was no doubting Frank’s impact. Finished with three goals straight and showed is class when the ball went to ground up forward.
Broc McCauley: The dominant big man on the ground. McCauley relished the number one ruck role collecting 30 hit outs. His mobility around the ground was a highlight.
Jordan Kelly: Composed with the ball in hand. Played a role in the collective defensive effort that managed to stifle the impact of the North Ballarat forward line.
Angus Litherland: Litherland’s ferocious tackling was a highlight in defence. Didn’t collect as much of the football as last week but still managed 16 possesions.
Luke Lowden: Athletic around the ground as always, Lowden shared the second ruck role with Adam Pattison. The big ruckman got dangerous going forward finishing with two goals for the day.
Jack Gunston: A standout. Gunston finished the day booting seven majors as well as handing off a couple more. His hands were clean and continually caused trouble for the Roosters’ defence. Finished with nine marks and 20 disposals.
Tom Schneider: Continues his push for rookie elevation. Schneider was superb in midfield and was Box Hill’s most prolific ball winner with 39 disposals.
Working hard tight in the clinches, the midfielder also finished with a team high 11 clearances.
Kyle Cheney: Another good game in defence from Cheney. His rebound from the back half and intercept marks were key for Box Hill as the small defender finished with 21 possessions.
Adam Pattison: Collected 21 possessions and characteristically worked hard all day to give his teammates a target. A desperate attempt in the second quarter to lock the ball in the forward line as it fell to ground created a goal and set the standard for the Hawks throughout the rest of the encounter.
Box Hill Hawks 5.3, 13.9, 16.11, 21.16 (142)
North Ballarat Roosters 3.4, 5.6, 7.8, 8.13 (61)
Goals: Box Hill - J.Gunston (7), A.Frank (3), D.Pratt (3), L.Lowden (2), D.Wanganeen (2), D.Hughes, X.Murphy, B.Hill, T.Murphy.
North Ballarat - D.Towers, L.George, T.Curran, P.McMahon, A.Mullett, D.Micallef, A. Black, C.Garlett.
Best: Box Hill - K.Cheney, D.Wanganeen, C.Bruce, J.Gunston, D.Hughes, L.Andrews.
North Ballarat - L.Anthony, C.Garlett, M.Searl, C.Richardson, D.Towers, M.Sewell.
*Photo courtesy of Jenny Owens.
