Northern Blues Too Strong For Hawks

It was a disappointing day for the Box Hill Hawks VFL side yesterday with a 36-point loss to the Northern Blues at Box Hill City Oval.

On a day with wet and muddy conditions, the Hawks were unable to overcome the Blues in a hard-fought game.

Box Hill started the day well with a four goal to two quarter. Although the Blues were dominating through the middle of the ground, taking the lead in clearances and hitouts, Box Hill put their bodies on the line and worked hard to stop the Blues’ ball movement.

The second quarter saw the Blues return with improved effort, winning the tackles 16 to 12 and moving inside 50 15 times to Box Hill’s 12. Whilst the Hawks’ pressure remained consistent, repeat efforts dropped off and missed tackles allowed the Blues to outscore Box Hill.

The third term proved the most costly for Box Hill, with the Blues going into a break for the first time in the game. Kieran Lovell had a big quarter with ten disposals and four clearances, with the Hawks also stepping up their efforts posting a 16 to 7 tackle count.

However, the Blues ran harder and faster and managed to use Box Hill’s turnovers to take control of the game and kick six goals for the quarter. Setting up a big last quarter battle, Box Hill knew they needed to match the Blues’ efforts.

Although Box Hill started the last quarter well with a great goal from Teia Miles and Anthony Brolic’s first goal in the VFL, the Northern Blues proved too strong. Winning hitouts 15 to Box Hill’s one, the Blues were getting first use of the ball and using it to their advantage.

Box Hill provided a tough contest, dominating the tackle count 57 to 39, the group was unable to match the intensity and determination shown by the Blues.

Hawthorn-listed player Kurt Heatherley spoke to boxhillhawks.com.au after the game about the tough loss.

“I thought we started off really well but they just managed to get on top. Obviously a tough day at the office but we just have to regroup now.”

“I think we just didn’t take the game on enough. I don’t think we moved the ball well enough and that’s definitely an area we can improve on.”

“It was tough conditions today but no excuses. We should have done better and it’s not the way we like to play so we’re looking forward to next week and hopefully improving and playing some better footy.”

“Obviously we’ve got Geelong next week so hopefully we have a good training week and get the bodies right and then get ready to go again.”
SCORES

Box Hill: 4.2 5.3 7.4 10.7 (67)

Northern Blues: 2.2 4.5 10.9 15.13 (103) 

GOALS

Box Hill: D. Willsmore 3, Z. Webster 2, T. Miles 2, S. Iles, C. Jones, A. Brolic

Northern Blues: J. Silvagni 4, K. Jaksch 4, L. Jones 2, D. Buckley 2, A. Phillips, Z. Ballard, H. Kerbatieh

DISPOSALS

Box Hill: K. Heatherley 22, J. O’Rourke 22, K. Lovell 21, D. Willsmore 21

Northern Blues: M. Whiley 30, J. Tutt 24, B. Gowers 23, M. Dick 22, T. Jones 22, T. Wilson 21

BEST

Box Hill: K. Lovell, S. Iles, J. O’Rourke, D. Willsmore, L. Kidd, K. Brand, K. Heatherley

Northern Blues: A. Phillips, T. Jones, M. Whiley, B. Gowers, M. Dick, J. Tutt

 

Photo: Jason Heidrich