Round 20 Match Preview

WHEN: 1.10pm, Saturday August 6
WHERE: Skybus Stadium
COVERAGE:  Live on channel 7 or stream live via the AFL Live Official App or tune in to listen with 3WBC 94.1FM. 

It’s getting towards the business end of the VFL season, and Round 20 sees the Box Hill Hawks take on Frankston at Skybus Stadium this Saturday afternoon. 

This weekend has added meaning to just claiming four points, with it being named ‘Rossy’s Round’ – In support of Chris Ross who was part of Box Hill’s Strength and Conditioning team and Frankston’s High-Performance Manager.

Ross was diagnosed with MND at 31-years-old in April 2021. There will be a number of ways to contribute, from making a donation or purchasing merchandise at the ground on the day, with all proceeds going to Fight MND. 

Last five meetings 

Round 15, 2019: Box Hill 14.18 (102) defeated Frankston 13.6 (84) at Skybus Stadium. 
Round 11, 2018: Box Hill 15.21 (111) defeated Frankston 7.6 (48) at Box Hill City Oval. 
Round 2, 2018: Box Hill 14.19 (103) defeated Frankston 9.10 (64) at Skybus Stadium. 
Round 4, 2016: Box Hill 14.14 (98) defeated Frankston 5.9 (39) at Box Hill City Oval. 
Round 12, 2015: Box Hill 15.12 (102) defeated Frankston 5.7 (37) at Box Hill City Oval. 

It’s been all the Hawks in the last five meetings between us and the Dolphins – Taking the win at both Box Hill City Oval and Skybus Stadium. It’s likely to be a strong contest and one full of passion as the Dolphins play their last game at home for the season and the Hawks look to cement a top eight spot. 

How have we been going?

L, L, W, W, L, W, W, W, W, W, L, L, L, W, W. 

We’re coming off a bye, but prior to that we took a 56-point win over the Northern Bullants on their turf, 17.13 (115) to 8.11 (59). The win allowed the Hawks to the return to the top eight, off the back of a dominant performance. 

Our best on for the day was Cal Porter, who managed to rack up a career-high 45 disposals, as well as 12 inside 50s. ten tackles and nine clearances.

Inside the forward 50 was a bit of magic off the boots of Fergus Greene and Ben Cavarra who both scored five goals each. 

Rounding out the best players were Hawthorn’s Daniel Howe (31 disposals), Emerson Jeka and Jack Saunders. The next highest disposal leaders were Tom Phillips (27), Ed Phillips (26) and Ned Long (24). 

How have they been going?

L, L, W, W, L, W, W, L, L, L, L, W, L, W, L. 

Frankston are also coming off a bye, but their last game saw them go down to the Swans in Sydney in Round 18 by 45 points. 

The Dolphins lost the inside 50 count 72-33 to the hosts, which explains the momentum of the game. Frankston trailed at each change, after a stoppage filled first term, a scoreless second from both sides, a trio of goals in the third and just two in the last. 

Josh Newman led the Dolphins disposal count with 33, he also managed eight tackles and 11 clearances. Taylin Duman had 25 disposals, Jackson Voss 22 and Will Fordham 20. 

Team News 

On the team front, we welcome a few handy inclusions as we prepare to take on the Dolphins. 

Into the side comes the skipper Hugh Beasley after being rested in Round 18, always a stronger side with his name in it. He’s joined by fellow senior figure in Damian Mascitti whose skills and experience will be beneficial. As well as the younger Beasley, Charlie who’ll line up down back after a couple of best on performances with old Trinity in the VAFA. 

We’ll also see small forward Vincent Adduci re-join the side after he last appeared with Box Hill in Round 10. 

From the Round 18 team we lose Jai Serong who is set to make his AFL debut with Hawthorn and also Emerson Jeka who returned to the senior line up last week and retained his spot in the backline. 

Brady Grey is also a magnet moved from the board due to health and safety protocols. 

One to Watch 

Vincent Adduci is an exciting name on the inclusion list for this week’s clash and therefore our one to watch for Round 20. 

It will have been 70 days since we’ve had ‘Dooch’ in our line-up, back in May when we took on the Suns on the Gold Coast. Since then, he’s overcome an injury and now is back in form, he’s likely to impress. 

Adduci is sure to add his flare to the forward line and make for a likeable trio with the likes of Fergus Greene and Ben Cavarra. ‘Dooch’ is back so make sure to keep an eye on the Hawks’ live-wire this weekend.