VFL Season Review: Rounds 16 – 21

Round 16
Box Hill Hawks 10.9.69 def. by Richmond 13.7.85

Our double-header round saw our Senior team take on Richmond at Punt Road as a curtain raiser to the Hawthorn and Richmond game at the MCG. At a packed Punt Road Oval, Box Hill led at every change in what was a must-win clash. However, the Hawks let their lead slip and were unable to overcome the Tigers in the final quarter, going down by 16-points. This round also saw Hawthorn’s Alex Woodward make his return to Senior VFL football, notching 25 disposals, 7 tackles and a goal in the second quarter.

Round 17
Box Hill Hawks 10.8.68 def. by Footscray 10.13.73

Another nail-biting game, Round 17 saw Footscray steal victory in the last few minutes of the game. In Xavier Dimasi’s debut game, the Hawks controlled the tempo of the game in the first half, using the ball more efficiently inside their forward 50 and seeing these results on the scoreboard. The Dogs were kept in goalless in the third quarter before kicking four quick early goals in the fourth quarter. Hitting the lead in the 25th minute of the final term, Footscray walked away five-point winners and left the Hawks fighting for their season.

Round 18
Box Hill Hawks 13.20.98 def. Werribee 9.7.61

The Seniors finally returned to the winners list in Round 18 against the Werribee Tigers after eight consecutive defeats. In the battle for the Beyond Blue Cup, Box Hill put in a four-quarter effort to defeat the Tigers by 37-points. Although Werribee were determined to overcome the Hawks’ lead in the final term, they couldn’t breakthrough Box Hill’s strong defensive pressure and put points on the scoreboard.

Round 19
Box Hill Hawks 13.13.91 def. Sandringham 9.15.69

The Senior side managed to keep their finals hopes alive in Round 19 with a 22-point victory over Sandringham. In what was a tight contest right up until to the final term, the Hawks remained composed. Despite some inaccurate goal kicking in the fourth quarter, Box Hill were able to hold onto their lead and seal victory at the final siren.

Round 20
Box Hill Hawks 7.15.57 def. by Collingwood 12.6.78

A 21-point loss to the in-form Collingwood in Round 20 effectively ended Box Hill’s potential 2016 finals campaign. Only managing two goals in the first half of football, the Hawks were five goals down at the major break. However, Box Hill returned in the second half with renewed effort and were able to get within 14-points of Collingwood in the last quarter. Unable to convert late scoring opportunities, the Hawks unfortunately walked away without four crucial points.

Round 21
Box Hill Hawks 8.8.56 def. by Casey 11.20.86

In what was Box Hill champion Sam Iles’ final VFL game, the Hawks were unable to walk away winners. After a tightly contested four quarters, Box Hill ended their season with a 30-point loss to the eventual minor premiers. Unable to combat a final quarter surge from the Scorpions, the Hawks finished their season with 7 wins and 11 losses, sitting in 10th place on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder.

Photo: Jenny Owens Photography