VFL Season Review: Rounds 9-15
Round 9
Box Hill Hawks 12.18.90 def. North Ballarat 9.9.63
Returning home to City Oval, Box Hill put themselves back on the winning list in their Round 9 clash against the Roosters. Anthony Brolic made his debut for the Senior side against the Roosters making him the 12th debutant for the 2016 season. Despite an inaccurate day in front of goals kicking 18 behinds, the Hawks lead at every turn in wet and windy conditions to record their fifth win of the season.
Round 10
Box Hill Hawks 10.7.67 def. by Northern Blues 15.13.103
Round 10 saw the inclusion of Connor O’Sullivan to the Senior side as Marc Pittonet and Angus Litherland were called up to AFL duties. With Box Hill having no luck on the day, the Hawks weren’t able to overcome the Blues going down by 36 points at home.
Round 11
Box Hill Hawks 10.9.69 def. by Geelong 18.10.118
With Sam Iles hitting the field for his 150th VFL game, the Hawks got off to a good start claiming the lead by quarter time. However, the boys struggled to match the Cats forward pressure and intensity as they kicked six majors to Box Hill’s two in the second quarter giving them a lead they would hold onto till the final siren. The 49-point loss to the Cats at Simmonds Stadium saw Box Hill’s win-loss tally sitting at 5-4 as they hit the half way mark for the 2016 Home and Away season.
Round 12
Box Hill Hawks 7.13.55 def. by Port Melbourne 10.11.71
On a wet and muddy day at North Port Oval, Round 12 saw the Hawks defeated by 16-points for a third consecutive loss. After starting strongly in the first quarter, Port Melbourne returned in the second term with a renewed effort and determination. Winning the contested ball and dominating the hitouts, the Borough were getting first use of the ball and were able to work it into their forward 50 and apply scoreboard pressure.
Round 13
BYE
With more than half the season done and dusted, the Box Hill Hawks sat in 9th spot on the ladder. With a record of five wins and five losses, the Hawks were only one win out of the Top 8 and used this bye weekend to mentally and physically prepare themselves for the challenging games ahead.
Round 14
Box Hill Hawks 12.8.80 def. by Williamstown 13.12.90
The second Grand Final rematch of the year saw Box Hill fail to recreate their Round 2 result, with Williamstown walking away winners in this Round 14 clash. Although the Hawks got off to a good start booting the first two goals of the match, Williamstown took the lead at the 20-minute mark of the first term and did not take their foot off the pedal. Fighting back in the last quarter, the Hawks managed to close the gap to ten-points but could not overcome the reigning premiers before the final siren.
Round 15
Box Hill Hawks 13.14.92 def. by Essendon 15.5.94
Round 15 saw one of the most nail-biting games of the season and the debut of Jack Firns. The last quarter saw multiple lead changes, with both teams piling on late goals. In the dying minutes, Hawthorn listed Dallas Willsmore converted a snap around the body to put the Hawks in front. However, a goal from outside 50 with only seconds left on the clock gave Essendon a two-point victory.
Photo: Jenny Owens Photography
