Box Hill have returned to the winners list and consolidated their spot inside the top eight with a strong performance against the Northern Blues on Saturday at City Oval.

A dominant second quarter, which saw the Hawks keep the Blues goalless set up the 57-point win in a game Box Hill could not afford to drop.

Midfielders Luke Andrews and Cameron Bruce continued their good form in season 2012 and were crucial in the centre as Box Hill clawed their way back into the contest following a sluggish start to the match.

After the match, Box Hill coach Damian Carroll was pleased with his side’s performance after the Northern Blues’ fast start.

“We had a good 10 or 15 minutes in the first quarter but when we were bad we were terrible and that’s why they were able to kick six goals (in the first quarter), so to keep them to four after that was really pleasing,” Carroll said.

“I think we had 14 goal kickers today which was really pleasing to get that spread because our forward line at times and understandably so has been criticised."

The Northern Blues, under the direction of caretaker coach Darren Harris in charge of his first game for the season got off to a brilliant start to the match.

The Blues kicked six goals in the opening term and made the Hawks pay on several occasions for fundamental errors. 

However, the game changed in the second quarter as Box Hill took a stranglehold on the match and arrested the momentum. After looking lively up forward early on, Kyle Cheney was forced to return to the backline after an injury to defender David Mirra.

Cheney’s performance was a catalyst for the Hawks as they turned a 15-point quarter time deficit into a 26-point half time lead.

“He was pretty good up forward in the first quarter Cheney,” Carroll said.

“He is a great defender...we would like to give him the challenge of going forward at times, he did nothing wrong but obviously for us it was about stabilising that backline.

“He’s a really important player for us and obviously did his chances no harm for getting back into the side.”

After the main break, Box Hill continued where they left off in the first half as the Hawks’ potent forward line caused headaches for the Blues defence.

Hawthorn-listed midfielder Bradley Hill was one of many inclusions to have an impact, he collected 19 possessions and his pace was damaging on the break.

Derick Wanganeen and Daniel Pratt, two players who were also missing in Box Hill’s loss to Bendigo two weeks ago, were also important finishing with two goals apiece.

Young ruckman Josh Ralph got his first taste of senior football in the absence of the injured Adam Pattison and Carroll was pleased with the youngster’s performance.

“He’s come off the back of three good development games, we know the kid can play and we thought he competed pretty well, it wasn’t an easy task,” Carroll said.

Key Box Hill defender David Mirra played no further part in proceedings following the quarter time break after he was involved in a heavy collision at the end of the first term.

Carroll was hopeful that the injury to the 2011 best and fairest runner-up would not keep him out long term.

“I think it’s an ankle. We are hopeful it’s not a break and might be just a couple of week injury,” Carroll said.

“Obviously for us going forward, we need him as a part of our back six, he’s certainly in our best side, he’s deputy vice captain so we will wait and see what the results bring.”

Hawthorn listed players

Luke Lowden: Worked hard in the ruck and accumulated 27 hit outs. Finished the game with seven possessions and a goal.

Jordan Kelly: Played his role off half back. Kelly finished the game with nine disposals and two tackles.

Amos Frank: After a quite first half, Frank continued his good season booting two second half goals and looked dangerous up forward. Finished the game with nine possessions and five tackles.

Mitch Hallahan: As always Hallahan was hard in the contest. The midfielder collected 11 possessions and amassed seven tackles.

Derick Wanganeen: Returned to the Box Hill line up and proved his importance up forward finishing with two goals. His forward pressure was also a highlight, collecting six tackles.

Angus Litherland: Was given the task of containing Bret Thornton. Competed well and provided good run off half back. Finished the afternoon with 11 possessions and three rebound 50s.

Taylor Duryea: Assured and composed in possession off halfback. Duryea collected 12 possessions and three tackles.

Tom Schneider: Didn’t amass the sort of numbers he has been used to this season. None the less, Schneider’s impact was still crucial in Box Hill turning around the game after quarter time. 

Tom Murphy: Once again Murphy was solid down back and composed when under pressure. The defender finished the day with 18 possessions and four tackles.

Bradley Hill: Hill’s run and carry was crucial as the Hawks broke the game open. Finished the game with 19 disposals, a goal and four inside 50’s.

Kyle Cheney: Superb at both ends of the ground. Was lively up forward early before being moved down back to sure up the defence. Finished the game with 19 possessions and eight marks.

Cameron Bruce: Another impressive game from the experienced midfielder.  Bruce finished the day with 20 disposals and used the ball efficiently as always. Six tackles and six clearances were highlights in Bruce’s hardworking performance.

Box Hill Hawks 3.4 10.5 17.7 19.9 (123)
Northern Blues 6.1 6.3 8.6 10.6 (66)

Goals: Box Hill - W.Johnson 2, C.Bruce 2, D.Pratt 2, D.Wanganeen 2, A.Frank 2, J.Ralph, B.Hill, T.Schneider, P.Lawlor, T.Gilchrist, K.Cheney, L.Lowden, X.Murphy, L.Andrews
Northern Blues - B.Thornton 4, L.Mitchell 3, T.Thomas 2, K.Lambert

Best: Box Hill - L.Andrews, K.Cheney, M.Jones, T.Murphy, X.Murphy, B.Hill
Northern Blues - E.Curnow, A.Collins, K.Lucas, A.McInnes, K.Lambert, N.Meese