Round Five Match Preview
WHERE: Box Hill City Oval
WHEN: Saturday, 2:00PM
COVERAGE: 3WBC radio – 94.1FM
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
Round 15, 2017: Sandringham 14.11 (95) defeated by Box Hill 22.10 (142) at Trevor Barker Oval
Round 19, 2016: Sandringham 9.15 (69) defeated by Box Hill 13.13 (91) at Trevor Barker Oval
Round 1, 2016: Box Hill 18.10 (118) defeated Sandringham 12.9 (81) at Box Hill City Oval
Preliminary Final, 2015: Box Hill 12.17 (89) defeated Sandringham 12.10 (82) at North Port Oval
Round 6, 2015: Sandringham 11.12 (78) defeated by Box Hill 14.17 (101) at Trevor Barker Oval
SETTING THE SCENE
The Box Hill Hawks will seek to continue their unbeaten run and retain top spot on the VFL ladder, as they return home to Box Hill City Oval for the first time in season 2018, playing host to the Sandringham Zebras.
The contest will customarily mark the Blue Ribbon Cup, honouring Victorian Police Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, with the player adjudged best afield to be awarded the Silk-Miller medal.
Box Hill will be looking to build upon strong form displayed before the bye, and capitalise on a long-awaited home ground advantage. Dropping three games at home in the previous year, the Hawks will no doubt be eager to improve this record over the coming season; and this week utilise their home deck to put a halt to a thus far impressive Zebras outfit.
HOW TO FOLLOW?
For radio coverage, tune in to 3WBC; while reporting throughout the match will once again be provided across our official social channels. Twitter remains the destination for play by play action, or check in at Facebook and Instagram for updates by the quarter.
TEAM NEWS
This week’s clash will see the welcome return of skipper and Col Austen Trophy runner-up, Andrew Moore, after missing the season’s opening rounds through suspension. Livewire Billy Murphy will also be back roaming the forward line, after a precautionary measure saw him miss the Hawk’s round three victory over Coburg, with hamstring tightness.
Former captain David Mirra has been named at centre half back, slotting in between Gibbs-Line medallist, Teia Miles and steadfast Irishman, Conor Glass.
James Cousins could also return, named on a half forward flank at this stage; while consistency sees Tom Maloney retain his 23rd man status once more, playing the role for the fourth week running.
Deservedly positive news also comes for ruckman Jonathon Ceglar, who is set to play his first match of football after an extensive 624-day stint on the sidelines, having ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament representing Hawthorn back in Round 22, 2016.
Sandringham have a good news story of their own, with highly rated midfielder Nathan Freeman primed to return from yet another hamstring setback. The top ten draft pick has been plagued by the injury over the course of his short career, yet his resilience and desire will no doubt see him keen to have an impact come Saturday afternoon.
This addition bolsters an already strong midfield unit, which also welcomed Brede Seccull back from injury before the bye; playing a standout match which comprised 31 touches and 10 tackles. He’ll line up alongside the in-form Myke Cook, as well as captain and last year’s best and fairest, Kade Answerth.
Tom Lamb will be back to spearhead the forward line, off the back of 5 goals which kept the Zebras in touch against Port Melbourne.
David Armitage has been prolific over the past two rounds, collecting 67 disposals; however this spike in form could see the able-bodied midfielder return to the senior side ahead of their weekend clash against the Demons.
Young guns Hunter Clark, Josh Battle and Ben Paton have also been named in the Saint’s extended squad; continuing to stake their claims for more consistent senior selection.
HOW HAVE WE BEEN DOING?
Box Hill are currently placed at the top of the table as one of just two undefeated sides for season 2018 – all done away from home.
While it was the defensive efforts of the back six which received the highest praise in opening victories over Williamstown and Frankston; the Hawks’ ability to run out games continues to impress, evidenced by a 9-goal final term which sealed the win against Coburg.
HOW HAVE THEY BEEN DOING?
Sandringham sit just outside of the eight, after their unbeaten run to start the season was ended via a narrow defeat at the hands of reigning premiers Port Melbourne, the week before the bye.
Prior to this bump in the road, the Zebras accounted for Footscray and Geelong, courtesy of a tough brand of football which sees them currently lead the league in both tackles and contested possession.
ONES TO WATCH
Before hamstring tightness forced him from Box Hill’s round three side, Billy Murphy proved lively and dangerous up forward, slotting four goals against Frankston in tough conditions.
These goals came from simple reward for effort, as Murphy’s pressure over the first two rounds was nothing but relentless – and with Sandringham an impressive tackling side, this statistic will be vital to match.
Fresh off the bye and thriving on home turf, Murphy will no doubt provide headaches for the Zebra’s defence.
