Ruthless Hawks drub Dolphins

By Callum Godde

Box Hill romped to a massive 149-point victory on Sunday, outclassing the Dolphins in front of their home fans at Frankston Park.

The Hawks lead from go to woe, incrementally increasing their lead through all four quarters.

But it was the Hawks’ third term, slamming on seven unanswered goals, that broke whatever spirit the Dolphins’ had left – from here it became a massacre.

Eight goals to one in the final quarter, only added further insult to injury.

The huge win comes after a disappointing 19-point loss to Sandringham last week, which put an unexpected dint in the Hawks’ top-two aspirations.

Box Hill coach Kevin Collins highlighted his player’s resilience to rebound in such emphatic fashion.

“The boys were really tuned in today. We had 23 contributors; everyone played their role, they did everything we [the coaching staff] have asked of them.

“The intensity of training, and clarity of training, improved a great deal this week.

“This whole week has been initiated by them, it was good as I’ve seen them [this year],” Collins said.

Peter McEvoy starred for the Hawks, kicking eight. The big haul brings the talismanic forwards’ tally to 49 this season, and leaves him well clear as the competitions leading goal kicker.

“Obviously it was an excellent performance. But [not just because he kicked eight goals] it was also his defensive pressure inside-50 and the amount of direction he gave the other forwards.

“He’s been very closely checked over the past couple of weeks, so to come out with that performance today was just outstanding.

Collins was impressed by the young Tasmanians’ output, but not surprised.

“He’s got one of the best work rates that I’ve seen in a player and an outstanding mindset. And he used them both today.

“At some stage he’ll play seniors for Box Hill for sure, I have no doubt about that.

“He actually dropped his first two chest marks. But when things don’t go his way, he just works and works and works and he makes it go his way.

Additionally, Box Hill had the good fortune of welcoming back a couple of other key players, unavailable in weeks gone by through injury.

Hawthorn-listed livewire James Sicily made a successful return, booting three goals. It may be the only game The Hawks’ number 56 pick spends under Collins tutelage though, as his quality first-up performance will surely put him on senior coach, Marco Bello’s, radar at the selection table this week.

While fellow forward Tom Gordon also got through unscathed, after spending two months sidelined with a serious knee injury.

“I thought his third quarter was really good. It was fairly difficult conditions for a tall, but he just presented really well.

“He also took a lot of pressure off Pete McEvoy, who ended up kicking eight. So I thought, considering he’s had eight weeks out, he [Gordon] did extremely well,” Collins said.

The Hawks blistering third quarter was capped by a heart-warming moment for Gordon personally. The big forward coolly slotted a set shot and was then set upon by his teammates; jubilant to see him back and once again hitting the scoreboard.

The 149-point thumping leaves the Hawks clinging to second spot, behind Williamstown by 1.83%. It will be a tough ask for Box Hill to clinch the minor premiership from here though, with the Seagulls not only boasting a superior percentage but an extra game in hand.

Kevin Collins men will break for the bye next weekend, before reloading for the Northern Blues on August 23 and, hopefully, a long finals campaign.

Box Hill 24.22 (166) defeated Frankston 2.5 (17)

Goal Kickers: P. McEvoy 8, S. Cust 4, J. Sicily 3, B. Wood 3, T. Gordon 2, P. Lawlor, S. Crocker, T. Miles, N. Papadopoulos

Best Players: T. Miles, P. McEvoy, B. Wood, J. Soccio, Z. Webster, K. Post