Box Hill have consolidated their spot inside the top eight and left themselves within striking distance of a top four berth after a comprehensive victory over Collingwood on Saturday.
Following quarter time, the Hawks conceded just two goals to run out 116-point winners. After the victory, Box Hill coach Damian Carroll was pleased with his side’s performance.
“We came hoping we could play some good footy and win the game but to come and win by that margin was very pleasing,” Carroll said.
“There were some good signs, particularly that second quarter, it took a lot of energy out of the Magpies and their young group and we were able to get on top and obviously secure a victory.”
In a further boost for the Hawks, several Hawthorn-listed players made positive returns from injury and made significant contributions throughout the afternoon.
“Luke (Hodge) played some good footy and certainly as we saw in the second quarter was able to impact and set us up and his leadership out on the ground I’m sure we couldn’t measure his importance there,” Carroll said.
“Max Bailey, in his second game back, it was another step forward, he was very strong overhead, he played a bit more ruck than forward.
“He was very good last week in the forward line kicking three but I thought his impact around the ground and in ruck was even a step up last week.”
Chance Bateman was another returning Hawk who got through the game unscathed in the veteran’s first game of football in over two months.
After a slow start, Box Hill managed to claw their way to a two-goal lead at quarter time thanks to late term majors from Taylor Gilchrist and Luke Lowden.
Following quarter time, the game completely changed with Luke Lowden and Max Bailey leading a dominant Hawks midfield who refused to give the Magpies first use of the football.
Collingwood failed to score in the second term whilst the visitors piled on 10 goals to put the result beyond doubt in front a large crowd at Victoria Park.
Luke Andrews and Xavier Murphy were impressive in in the middle alongside the Hawthorn listed Bradley Hill and Hodge, who was at his most damaging during the second quarter. Together the Box Hill unit put the Magpies to the sword, barely allowing the ball to exit their forward half throughout the term.
“I really thought we were well lead in our ruck department by Max Bailey and Luke Lowden kicking three goals, but for us it was a really good team effort across all lines,” Carroll said.
“That was really good the results from the clearances, not just winning them but I thought we were able to convert well.”
Box Hill took the foot off the pedal after the main break, during the third term, however after some stern three quarter time words from Damian Carroll, the Hawks finished the match strongly, banging on seven final term goals to push the winning margin out beyond 100 points.
Box Hill now face a crucial home clash against the Werribee Tigers next Saturday with only one win separating the two sides on the ladder and a battle for fourth position on the VFL ladder looming.
Hawthorn-listed players
Max Bailey: In his second game back from injury, Bailey continued from where he left off last week. Moved well and relished more game time in the ruck, leading the dominant Hawks midfield.
Luke Hodge: Showed his quality in the Hawthorn captain’s return from a knee injury. Moved well around the ground and finished with 24 possessions and a goal. Hodge’s leadership was enormous, especially to his younger Box Hill teammates.
Chance Bateman: Another Hawk on the way back from injury. Bateman ran out the game well, playing in excess of 90 minutes. Will no doubt be better for the run and push for selection at Hawthorn in the coming weeks.
Adam Pattison: Not as prolific as he was in last week’s win over Frankston. Nonetheless, Pattison was still important, especially up forward where he always provided a contest and finished with one goal.
Angus Litherland: Rock solid in defence and his rebound propelled the Hawks forward on many occasions. Popped up with an impressive goal in the second term.
Mitch Hallahan: Hallahan was great in the middle of the ground and was a crucial part of Box Hill’s midfield and clearance dominance after quarter time.
Broc McCauley: After missing last week, McCauley looked sharp around the ground and provided a good target up forward as well as competing well in the ruck.
Jarrad Boumann: Brilliant down back. Alongside David Mirra, Boumann lead the Box Hill defence which only conceded two goals after quarter time.
Tom Schneider: Started the game well in midfield before leaving the ground during the third term. Schneider played no further part in the game.
Taylor Duryea: Called on when required in defence and was a big part of the defensive unit that hardly put a foot wrong all day.
Luke Lowden: Continued his recent patch of impressive form. Lowden combined well with Max Bailey in the ruck to lead a prolific Hawks midfield.
Bradley Hill: One of the Hawks’ best in a dominant display. Hill’s run and carry proved dangerous as the game wore on and the dashing winger finished with three goals as reward.
Box Hill 4.5 14.8 16.10 23.15 (153)
Collingwood 2.5 2.5 3.8 4.13 (37)
Best: Box Hill - L. Andrews, D. Mirra, X. Murphy, L. Lowden, B. Hill, L. Tobin
Collingwood - L. Rounds, J. Thomas, L. Wallace, N. Riddle, J. Witts, M. Clarke
Goals: Box Hill - L. Tobin 3, D. Pratt 3, B. Hill 3, L. Lowden 3, M. Thompson 2, T. Gilchrist 2, A. Pattison , M. Bailey , A. Litherland , L. Hodge , C. Bateman , D. Hughes , M. Hallahan
Collingwood - J. Paine 2, K. Ugle , L. Wallace
