The Box Hill Hawks have returned to action following an extended four-week break on Sunday, proving too good for old rivals Essendon to the tune of 51 points.

The result represents a vital four points for Sam Mitchell’s side, which has now strung together three wins on the spin to move to five-and-two on the season and consolidate a spot in the competition’s top eight.

In positive selection news Denver Grainger-Barras made a long-awaited debut in Hawks colours following a pre-season knee injury, finishing with 10 disposals and 8 marks in an encouraging all-round showing.

He was joined in the line-up by recent recruit Jackson Callow, with the forward covering the ground well, producing seven marks and kicking two goals for the day.

Victory was set-up by a stunning second quarter, with the visiting brown and gold playing arguably their best football of the season to turn a positive start into a decisive half-time advantage.

The Hawks, boasting a spread of contributors, kicked away to a ten goal lead on the back of an attacking mode that returned 6.4 for the term. Meanwhile, the defensive unit performed just as flawlessly to keep the Bombers scoreless.

Oliver Hanrahan was a standout performer on the day, recording a team-high 27 disposals, 11 of which were contested, four clearances and seven inside 50s. As to illustrate his work rate and willingness to spread from contest he also finished with an equal team-high eight handball receives.

Fittingly, he set the tone for what was to come when he opened the scoring in the first quarter, before adding a second later in the contest.

One-time Sydney Swans Academy prospect Brayden Kilpatrick continued his strong recent run of form to finish with 25 touches, six inside 50s, four rebound 50s and four clearances. Like Hanrahan his ability to spread and provide an option for his team was measured by eight handball receives of his own and a team-high nine marks.

Developing midfielder Finn Maginness was given the job on Essendon skipper Joe Atley, keeping the dynamic inside midfielder to just 13 disposals. For his part, Maginness would amass 14 touches himself, a team-high six clearances and two goals.

It was an effort lauded in the aftermath by his coach, who deemed Maginness’ efforts good enough to be his team’s best on the day.

Elsewhere Fergus Greene proved the Hawks’ most potent forward, booting three goals from six shots, taking seven marks and laying off two goals, while the back six of Mascitti, De Wit, Hartley, Horner, Greaves and Beasley waxed well all afternoon.

The contest evened out after half time, with the Bombers best period of the game coinciding with the Hawks’ toughest. The third quarter ultimately went the way of the hosts four goals to one, eliciting a firm response from Mitchell at the three-quarter-time huddle.

The coach implored his charges to respond and finish the game on a more positive note, which they did on the back of a better final quarter.

The Hawks will return to the familiar surrounds of City Oval next weekend to play the visiting Aspley Hornets.

Best: Maginness, Hanrahan, Kilpatrick, Mascitti, Greene

Goals: Greene 3, Jeka, Hanrahan, Maginness, Callow 2, Pepper, Adduci, Phillips, De Wit

Disposals: Hanrahan 27, Kilpatrick 25, De Wit 21, Downie 18, Mascitti 18