Grand Final re-match to kick off season
The Box Hill Hawks are set to kick off their 2019 campaign in a Grand Final re-match against Casey on Sunday.
It was certainly a memorable day for Box Hill, the last official time the two teams met, as the Hawks dug deep to secure the club’s third VFL Premiership in a stirring 10-point victory.
Dylan Moore lit up the Docklands in that contest kicking three vital goals, while David Mirra was the Norm Goss medallist (18 disposals, 8 marks, 7 tackles).
The two clubs have built a strong rivalry in recent times, winning one game each across their two home and away season encounters, before the Hawks ultimately capped off an unforgettable finals series by triumphing in the Grand Final.
The Demons proved largely to be the benchmark team of the competition in 2018 and once again pose an imposing force for this season. You know what you’re going to get from the Jade Rawling’s coached side every week, a ferocious hunt for the contested football.
Casey looked determined to put their Grand Final demons to bed in the pre-season, in producing a fiery display to defeat the Hawks by 11 points at Casey Fields.
New Box Hill Coach Max Bailey reflected on the two rivals pre-season contest.
“It’s worked out well because we got to have a look at them and how they play,” Bailey said.
“Obviously they play a lot like Melbourne, so we have some idea and based off our success against them last year, hopefully that can flow into this year as well.
“But each season the VFL changes quite dramatically so both us and them are going to be fairly different to last season.”
The reigning premiers have conducted a significant list overhaul this summer and are encouraged by a fresh nucleus of players who are determined to go back to back.
Part of the change this year can be seen in the new-look leadership group led by Captain Andrew Moore, Vice Captain Damien Mascitti, and rounded out by Luke Meadows, Liam Mackie and Nathan Mullenger-McHugh.
Captain Andrew Moore discussed the Hawk’s new brigade at Box Hill Football Club’s Season Launch.
“There’s obviously a big change in the list so far,” Moore said.
“There are a lot of new young faces that are bringing a lot of energy to the group.
“A lot of young players are putting their best foot forward to cement a place in the side.”
Mitchell Lewis looms as a key player to watch this Sunday. The tall forward booted 38 goals in his break out season last year for Box Hill, and expect to see him continue his rapid development in a push for senior selection.
The Hawks will kick off its 2019 campaign against the Demons at 11:40am this Sunday at Box Hill City Oval.
