Development Semi-Final 2: Match Preview

After finishing the home and away season as minor premiers, our Development team will this Saturday play in the 2nd Semi-Final against the second placed Casey Scorpions at Casey Fields.

This season both teams have met twice, in Round 7 and Round 21, with Box Hill taking the honors in both games by a margin of 12 and 20 points respectively.

In the lead-up to the third clash of the season, and with a host of players available, Box Hill will be looking to take their strongest side into the clash.

ROUND 7: Box Hill 11.11.77 defeated Casey 10.5.65

The Game:
Box Hill took the lead at every change during their Round 7 meeting. Although allowing Casey to get within three-points within the first ten minutes of the final quarter, the Hawks managed to increase their pressure and stop Casey from moving the ball inside their Forward 50.

The Key Players:
Dale Hehir was instrumental in Box Hill’s win, booting four goals for the game, including the sealer in the fourth quarter. Liam Kidd was also a standout, collecting a game-high 26 disposals.

“We were in a bit of trouble when Casey upped their pressure but we tightened our game, went back to our structures and got the job done.” – Dale Hehir

ROUND 21: Box Hill 11.14.80 defeated Casey 9.6.60

The Game:
A really strong first quarter by the Hawks set up a healthy 16-point lead for the second quarter, but by half-time Casey had kicked themselves within seven-points. With six of Casey’s seven first-half scoring opportunities coming from Box Hill’s errors, the Development boys switched on in the second-half to finish the game 20-point winners.

The Key Players:
Anthony Brolic was the standout player of the match, ending the day with 31 disposals, 7 tackles, 9 clearances and 4 Inside 50s. Patrick Lawlor was also influential, kicking 3 goals, collecting 20 disposals and taking 12 marks.

“The first quarter we did really well and then the second quarter they came back at us. They were winning the hunt, winning the contested ball, and we weren’t playing the footy we wanted to play. But credit to the boys, we stuck it out and stepped up our pressure and got the four-points.” – Anthony Brolic

LOOKING AHEAD: 2nd Semi-Final
Saturday’s game will see the Hawks back out at Casey Fields and away from City Oval. A win for the Development side this week will see them straight through to the AFL Victoria Development Grand Final. A loss will see them play the winner of the Williamstown and Port Melbourne clash next week in a battle for the second Grand Final spot.

The Deciding Factor:
This weekend’s game will be determined by a four-quarter effort. Both previous meetings have seen neither team play a full game on their terms and this will be what Box Hill and Casey will be striving for come Saturday.

This weekend’s game proves vital for both clubs. Both previous meetings have seen neither side at full strength, with both meetings being tightly contested until the final siren. On the open spaces at Casey Fields, the winner will be decided by whichever team can apply the most pressure over four quarters.

Make sure you get to Casey Fields this Saturday at 11am to support the boys in their pursuit of a Grand Final berth.

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