Preliminary Final Talking Points

Box Hill have capped a sensational three week program at North Port Oval with a thrilling one-point victory over Williamstown, keeping their season alive and qualifying for a first Grand Final since 2015.

The win sets up a tantalising finale against the Casey Demons, against whom they share a one and one record during season 2018.

But before talk turns to the VFL’s showpiece event, let’s reflect on the how, who and why of Preliminary Final day.

1. September To Remember

Finals footy. How good is it? Well, I suppose that depends on which side of the result you end up on.

In three action packed weeks the Hawks have hosted – and beaten – the reigning premier on their own patch, accounted for the third-placed Cats a week later and, finally, eliminated the fourth-placed Seagulls by a single point.

It’s a string of results and performances that the Club, it’s players and staff will reflect proudly and fondly on for years; characterised by the sort of character defining and building efforts that come to explain how individuals and collectives are perceived and regarded.

To that end, its been twelve quarters of footy that the Box Hill Hawks and VFL competition as a whole ought to measure the Brown and Gold against.

Some in the media say that Preliminary Final day is the hardest match of the year. You’re so close, yet so far. You’re almost there, but not quite. There’s so much on line, yet there isn’t.

Each contest has thrown up a different challenge and, by extension, provided the platform for a different hero. Yet, in amongst the one-off moments that stick in the memory are images of brotherhood, unity and singular purpose.

A team, you’d probably call it.

2. Ride The Wave

All throughout the finals series coach Chris Newman has stressed the importance of maximising and recognising momentum. Push when it’s ours, resist when it’s not.

At half-time this message again came to the fore. With an hour of footy down the sides we’re still tied, so the message was simple: it’s not going to be all on our terms. They will get run ons. They will score. But dig in, fight it out and when the opening comes make it count.

Three early goals went the way of the Seagulls and, all of a sudden, the match was in the balance.  Staring down a game-high 17-point deficit the next goal was vital.

Following a period of consolidation Mitch Lewis pulled one back. 11-points down.

Dylan Moore swooped on his chance. 4-points down.

The Seagulls responded. 10-points down.

Kieran Lovell marked, sold some candy and converted from long range. 4-points down.

Williamstown threatened, pushed and probed, but desperate defence from the likes of Glass, Brand, CJ and the phenomenal Will Hams allowed just the three behinds for a three-four minute period of control.

Then, that wave – that opportunity – arrived just as the coach said it would.
Dylan Moore goalled again. 1-point down.

A kick to the teeth of goal came off hands and was read smartly by Anthony Brolic, who tracked the bobbling ball towards the boundary. A quick gather and left foot snap later and the Hawks had their first lead of the day with 33 third quarter minutes played.

At three quarter time ‘Newy’ sought to reinforce the importance of momentum, stressing five of the last six goals of the third term proved the Hawks could finish well enough; nailing the start was  of the utmost importance.

In the end Dylan Moore would kick his fourth with barely a minute played, before the sides traded goals and, yep, the momentum.

Just as important as the ability to cash in when the ball is rolling your way is being able to push against it when it’s not.

3A. If You’re Good Enough…

The Hawks’ three September contests have provided a wonderful platform for a number of young guns to ply their trade, gain some valuable experience and grow as players.

Ollie Hanrahan stole the show in the Elimination Final, running onto Brayden Kilpatrick’s instinctive toe-poke to send the game to sudden death with the final kick of the day.

CJ has come along in leaps and bounds since early season cameos promised potential, before a shift to half-back has allowed his competitive nature and athletic gifts come to the fore.

Yesterday it was Dylan Moore who chose a Preliminary Final to play his best game of a debut season that’s getting better with each passing week.

22 disposals, eight marks, two of which were contested, four tackles and four crucial goals. The Hawks’ number 36 did it on the lead and on the deck, from open play and the set shot.

Importantly, he did it when mattered most of all, kicking three second half goals when the game was at it’s fiercest.

3B. If You’re Old Enough…

There wasn’t anyone on the field you’d rather see with the ball in hand. Four point lead, seven minutes played in the last quarter, Brendan Whitecross runs past Jono O’Rourke for the handball receive. With a couple of steadying steps and the goal at his mercy he swings his right boot through the ball.

Never missing. Not even for a moment.

Eleven minutes later he was at it again, this time winning a vital one-on-one on the wing when an opposition mark would’ve lead to a Williamstown score, preserving a five-point lead in the process.

His 22-disposal game was a study in a cool hand at work. Nothing overly flashy, but an innate ability to do the right thing at the right moment.