Box Hill has been eliminated from the 2012 VFL finals race following a narrow 14-point defeat to Geelong at Casey Fields on Sunday.
After trailing early in the match, the Hawks managed to wrestle the ascendency off Matthew Knights’ side and control the encounter during the second and third quarters before letting a two goal three quarter time lead slip.
The Cats managed to pile on the last five goals of the match to advance to a preliminary final next weekend against the Werribee Tigers.
Following the match, whilst disappointed with the result, Damian Carroll was pleased with his side’s effort and endeavor.
“They were brave, the boys, they are a good side who were hanging in there all day,” Carroll said.
“At the end of the day, they are a good side, it was always going to be a challenge. We nearly got there.
“We just ran out of legs at the end.”
Hawthorn listed players
38. Mitch Hallahan
Stats: 15 kicks, 2 marks, 12 handballs, 27 disposals
Another robust performance from Hallahan in midfield. One of Box Hill’s best and finished with nine clearances.
40. Broc McCauley
Stats: 1 kick, 0 marks, 3 handballs, 4 disposals
Toiled hard in the ruck but did not gather huge numbers. Finished with 17 hit outs.
41. Taylor Duryea
Stats: 13 kicks, 5 marks, 5 handballs, 18 disposals
One of Box Hill’s best in defence. Helped reduce the damage in the first quarter as Geelong piled on the pressure. Had a team high seven rebound 50’s.
43. Amos Frank
Stats: 3 kicks, 1 mark, 2 handballs, 5 disposals
A quite day for Frank who failed to impact the scoreboard up forward.
45. Tom Schneider
Stats: 15 kicks, 4 marks, 14 handballs, 29 disposals
Finished off his impressive year with yet another big contribution. Box Hill’s leading ball getter and finished with six clearances.
46. Derick Wanganeen
Stats: 3 kicks, 2 marks, 4 handballs, 7 disposals
Failed to have a great impact up forward but did work hard defensively and recorded six tackles.
47. Adam Pattison
Stats: 7 kicks, 3 marks, 4 handballs, 11 disposals
Helped Box Hill get back into the contest during the second term and provided a crucial target up forward all day.
48. Will Langford
Stats: 4 kicks, 0 marks, 5 handballs 9 disposals
Was good in defence, backed himself on numerous occasions and won the contest.
61. Jarrad Boumann
Stats: 2 kicks, 1 mark, 4 handballs, 6 disposals
Played on Geelong key forward Josh Walker for large parts of the afternoon. Performed well in defence.
62. Bradley Hill
Stats: 12 kicks, 3 marks, 5 handballs, 17 disposals
Hill was damaging with ball in hand throughout the day. Finished with two majors.
63. Kyle Cheney
Stats 10 kicks, 1 mark, 5 handballs, 15 disposals
Another Hawk who performed admirably in defence, particularly in the first term.
66. Chance Bateman
Stats: 7 kicks, 2 marks, 6 handballs, 13 disposals
Struggled to have a massive impact on the contest but did kick a crucial goal in the third term from the boundary which brought the crowd to their feet.
70. Max Bailey
Stats: 5 kicks, 2 marks, 5 handballs, 10 disposals
Contested well in the ruck and his second efforts were impressive, recording six tackles.
Box Hill 0.4 6.6 8.7 9.8 (62)
Geelong 1.3 3.5 6.7 11.10 (76)
Goals: Box Hill - B. Hill 2, D. Pratt 2, T. Schneider , C. Bateman , M. Jones , L. Andrews , M. Hallahan
Geelong - S. Kersten 5, M. Brown , D. Gleeson , G. Horlin-Smith , C. Guthrie , M. Corrigan , C. Eardley
Best: Box Hill - X. Murphy, K. Cheney, T. Schneider, L. Andrews, M. Hallahan, T. Duryea
Geelong - S. Kersten, S. Byrnes, O. Stephenson, G. Horlin-Smith, A. McLean, D. Wojcinsk
