Hawks and lions all square in final hit out

It only makes sense that a pre-season campaign characterised by nail-biting finishes came to a close with a heart-stopping draw.

With a strong and swirly breeze whipping left to right, it was apparent that the team kicking to the grandstand end of Coburg’s Piranha Park would enjoy a significant advantage quarter-to-quarter.

Conditions had favoured that end decisively in the earlier Development game and once Coburg won the toss there was little doubt to which end they’d be kicking.

The early exchanges were played largely between the arcs, as both teams’ defensive units cancelled one another out. Coburg eventually seized control and produced the only four majors of the term.

Whilst it was hard going for the Hawks’ forwards, the midfield and backline units worked tirelessly to limit the Lions’ opportunities and scoring.

James Sicily, playing in defence, provided some calm in a back six that was under near constant pressure, and Ayden Kennedy laid a goal-saving tackle in goal square to keep Coburg under wraps.

 

In truth, the four goal quarter time deficit was about par.

It was vital that the Hawks found some goals in the second term and they didn’t have to wait long before getting the all-important first.

Ruckman Marc Pittonet, who had contributed well to this point both in the ruck contest and around the ground, floated forward to affect a contest, which Tim O’Brien roved expertly. The big man showed great awareness to find Kade Stewart by hand and the youngster provided a classy finish on his right.

Jack Fitzpatrick marked deep in attack and goaled to draw the Hawks nearer, but Coburg answered with a pair of six-pointers to have the margin back where it started.

Minutes later, Stewart popped up with a fine mark and set shot finish, before Sam Switkowski made a nuisance of himself with several terrific defensive acts inside forward 50.

The pressure would tell, as first Anthony Brolic snapped brilliantly and then Tim O’Brien rose prodigiously before nailing his set shot to bring the Hawks within four points at the long break.

The third quarter was a game within a game, with the question being how far ahead could Coburg get by three quarter time and, crucially, would it be enough of a lead.

The Hawks did brilliantly to break even around the contest for the majority of the quarter and even managed to hold a fair bit of territory due to some patient use of the ball in midfield. This limited Coburg’s exposure to the footy and whilst they managed three goals for the term, it didn’t feel like a decisive advantage.

Sicily, Daniel Howe, Harry Morrison, skipper Dave Mirra and Anthony Brolic were among the many great performers in a defensive effort that had the Hawks well and truly in the contest.

At the start of the final quarter Sicily, O’Brien and Schoenmakers all started forward, leaving no doubt as to the Hawks’ philosophy for the final thirty minutes.

Like the early stages of three preceding quarters, the first five-to-ten minutes were a dogged, contested struggle for territory and clean possession.

Schoenmakers won a free kick directly in front to kick his first, whilst Sicily showed excellent strength to stand his ground before dribbling through a goal of his own.

As legs became heavy the clouds rolled in and Coburg extended their lead with an opportunistic goal deep in attacking fifty.

Sicily kicked his second, this time from a mark, and then his third, from a great snap over his shoulder, before again standing his ground in a tackle to find the running Willsmore, who sprinted into an open goal. The clock read 26 minutes gone and the Hawks had their first lead of the day.

The drama wasn’t done, though. Coburg won a free kick just 25 metres out from goal, but the resulting shot slid right and the scores were tied without time for the kick in.

The Hawks open their 2017 VFL campaign away to Footscray on Friday, April 14 at 12pm.

Box Hill  0.1  5.7  5.9  10.11. 71

Coburg  4.5  6.5  9.8  10.11. 71

Goals: Sicily 3, Stewart 2, Fitzpatrick, Brolic, O’Brien, Schoenmakers, Willsmore

 

Vic Development League

The Development side finalised its preparations for the home and away season with a disappointing 35-point loss to a well-drilled and clinical Coburg.

Just two goals separated the sides at the quarter and half time breaks, but Coburg kicked away to a decisive lead on the back of a dominant third term.

The young Hawks never gave in, rallying to win the last quarter.

Box Hill  3.1  4.5   4.8   7.16. 58

Coburg  5.1  6.5   11.12   13.15.93

Goals: Codd-Miller 2, Kilpatrick 2, Jacotine 2, Knoll

 

Jenny Owens Photography