Hawks disarm stingless Scorpions
Box Hill belted lowly Casey by 102 points at home on Saturday, the win all but sewn up at quarter time.
An eight goal opening term from Box Hill earned the Hawks a 46-point lead at the break, and in the process completely disarmed a Casey outfit hungry to cause an upset after starting the season 1-6.
Tom Gordon had the ball on a string throughout the day, kicking four in the first quarter and finishing just shy of double figures with nine goals by the final siren.
Since his remarkable conversion from bona fide backman to budding forward this season, Gordon has amassed 26 goals in six games and now shares top spot in the leading goal kickers with teammate Peter McEvoy – whom also got in on the act with four goals of his own.
Hawthorn listed talent Shem Tatupu enjoyed his best game for the club this season, the forward giving spectators a mere taste of his aerial prowess.
Tatupu’s imposing 198cm/98kg frame was also seen in full force when the 18-year old fended off a would-be tackler and looped a long handpass to McEvoy in the square for a nice goal.
The New Zealander, who was selected as an International Category B Rookie last season, managed two majors, though could have finished with a bag but for his inaccurate kicking.
Despite the greasy conditions the Hawks ball-movement was outstanding. Midfielders Mitch O’Donnell, Brandon Wood and Liam Tobin used the handball with a plumb, leaving Casey players constantly grasping at thin air.
There was one piece of play in the third quarter of particular brilliance, running away from goal Wood sold his opponent a dummy, turned onto his right foot and delivered a low darting bullet to McEvoy – the North Hobart product capping of his teammates fine foot skills by caressing it home.
After the Hawks’ blockbuster start, the pace of the game slowed considerably. The Scorpions looked a touch more poised in the second, but were still outscored by Box Hill four goals to two.
The visitors may have thought they could savage a respectable loss, but in the second half the Hawks went for the jugular and the proverbial floodgates were flung open; six goals to Casey’s one and the Hawks could smell a massive percentage boosting win.
The three-figure win was slightly soured however, when Tom Gordon was floored in a case of friendly fire after a heavy collision with teammate Shem Tatupu.
Gordon was taken from the field and did not return, ending his pursuit of the magical 10-goal game.
Fortunately the big forward was cleared of any major damage, but confirmed to have a severe contusion (corky) and may struggle to return against Williamstown next Saturday.
The win leaves the Hawks at six wins and two losses and only half a game off ladder leaders the Northern Blues.
Goal Kickers: T. Gordon 9, P. McEvoy 4, S. Tatupu 2, B. Wood , C. Cassidy , A. Franetic , M. Northe , M. Thompson , M. O’Donnell , R. Exon
Best Players: T. Gordon, B. Wood, L. Tobin, M. Thompson, M. O’Donnell, S. Tatupu
