Round 20 Match Preview
WHERE: Box Hill City Oval
WHEN: Saturday, 2:10 PM
COVERAGE: Channel 7; 3WBC radio – 94.1FM
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
Round 6, 2018: Casey 16.15 (111) defeated Box Hill 11.6 (72) at Casey Fields
Round 10, 2017: Box Hill 11.7 (73) defeated by Casey 14.15 (99) at Box Hill City Oval
Round 21, 2016: Box Hill 8.8 (56) defeated by Casey 11.20 (86) at Box Hill City Oval
Round 7, 2016: Casey 12.11 (83) defeated Box Hill 11.10 (76) at Casey Fields
Round 17, 2015: Box Hill 18.15 (123) defeated Casey 7.7 (49) at Box Hill City Oval
SETTING THE SCENE
The Box Hill Hawks will look to keep their top four hopes alive, hosting the formidable Casey Demons at City Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Casey’s record both in season 2018 and in recent history against the Hawks, remains nothing short of impressive; form which belies their current top of the table position. With a last start loss causing Box Hill to fall to fifth position, this week’s hit-out will prove vital if the Hawks are to stay in touch with a shot at the double chance.
The Demons lead the league in tackles, with pressure the cause of Box Hill’s undoing in their round six clash. In that encounter, in which Casey were 39 points the superior, the Demons out-tackled Box Hill comfortably and also won the contested possession count – both key areas in which Box Hill will need to step up their game if they’re to challenge for the four points.
HOW TO FOLLOW?
Fans will be able to tune in to all the action, with the first bounce to the final siren televised live on Channel 7 from 2:00PM.
Alternatively, a radio call will be available via 3WBC; and our official social channels will continue to report throughout the match. Twitter remains the destination for play by play action, or head to Facebook and Instagram for updates by the quarter.
TEAM NEWS
The Box Hill Hawks will this week welcome back vice-captain Will Hams, who missed last week’s clash with Werribee through injury; as well as experienced campaigner Brendan Whitecross, following a stint with the senior side.
Mitch Lewis also returns to the selection frame off the back of a shoulder injury sustained a fortnight ago. The second-year rookie a welcome addition, currently the Hawks’ leading goal-kicker and third in the overall race for the Frosty-Miller medal – from a handful fewer appearances.
After being late withdrawals from the selected side last week, Taylor Duryea, an AFL holdover, and Anthony Brolic, due to soreness, are also amongst the magnets this week.
In positive news, Tom Maloney, last season’s Development League best and fairest, could run out for the first time since round five, whilst Sam Parsons will make his debut as the 23rd man.
In the way of outs, Conor Glass has been recalled to the Hawks senior side to take on St. Kilda; while namesake and fellow Irishman Conor Nash, has held his place with Hawthorn following a solid debut last week.
For Casey, their last start win was unfortunately soured by a first-term shoulder injury to Bernie Vince – a blow which could potentially leave the immediate playing future of the veteran in doubt – after being left out of the senior side to take to the field in the VFL for the second time this year.
Movement at the Melbourne selection table this week will also see Casey lose senior Demons Dean Kent, Mitch Hannan and Sam Weideman to the AFL side, who head West to take on the Eagles on Sunday afternoon.
Kent, who was sidelined for nine weeks with a hamstring injury sustained in round five, will return off the back of three goals in last weekend’s win over Sandringham. Weideman’s recall also comes after a string of strong performances at VFL level, a multiple goal scorer in recent weeks; while Mitch Hannan returns after being named an emergency last week.
However, the side won’t be lacking AFL-listed talent, with the familiar names of trio Jeff Garlett, Jay Kennedy-Harris and Cam Pedersen in to replace those elevated.
The group will be joined by additional AFL personnel in Tomas Bugg and Josh Wagner, last week’s leading possession winners; as well as rookies Tim Smith and Lachlan Filipovic.
Skipper Jack Hutchins will also return, following a standout performance for his side last week, pivotal in defence and customarily leading from the front.
HOW HAVE WE BEEN DOING?
The Box Hill Hawks last week fell to Werribee for the second time this year, as the Tigers claimed the four points, the ninth annual beyondblue Cup and a perfect season record against the Hawks. The Tigers looked like being overrun when Box Hill charged to a 12-point lead early in the final quarter, but the hosts responded with four answered goals to steal the victory.
A fortnight ago, Box Hill jumped into the top four following a stirring win over fellow finals contender, Collingwood. However, the stint was short-lived as last week’s loss, in conjunction with Williamstown’s upset win over Richmond, saw the Hawks slip back to fifth place, now a game plus a handful of percentage shy of the coveted double chance.
HOW HAVE THEY BEEN DOING?
Casey last week found themselves in unfamiliar territory, trailing Sandringham at the half and staring down the barrel of an upset loss, after the Zebras kicked the opening four goals of the match. However, the Demons would go on to hold their opposition goalless in the final stanza, while booting three goals of their own, to hit the front for good and secure a 21-point victory.
With the once top of the table Richmond going down to Williamstown, Casey leaped into the previously occupied position and did so four points in the clear. With an impressive fifteen and two record, Casey have strung together twelve consecutive wins, having not experienced defeat since a round four loss to Geelong.
ONE TO WATCH
Stepping up to the plate as number one ruckman, Michael Knoll has had an immediate impact. While filling the shoes of Marc Pittonet remains no easy feat, the fellow big-man has done more than hold his own in the ruck contest, on top of the hit-outs last week in just his second match for the year.
However, what perhaps remains most pleasing is the follow up work of the fierce competitor, a highlight of his performance last week which was evidenced in an incredible game-high 15 tackles, earning well deserved praise from team mates and coaching staff alike.
